International
Monsters, Inc’ sequel in the offing
MUMBAI: At a presentation, Disney Film chief Rich Ross has declared that Pixar‘s Brave would releaseon 12 June, 2012. He also disclosed plans of having another sequel to Monsters, Inc. that is scheduled to release on 16 November, 2012.
After unveiling trailers for a number of upcoming titles — including Jerry Bruckheimer‘s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, The Sorcerer‘s Apprentice and Secretariat -Ross unveiled the first three movies he‘s given a go-ahead to Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and The Muppets in 2011 and Prom in 2012.
The first is the company‘s most successful global franchise and hence a no-brainer, the second will introduce a new Muppet named Walter, and the third will be “smart and authentic” a la what John Hughes used to do.
Brave, once known as The Bear and the Bow, is written and directed by Brenda Chapman features the voices of Reese Witherspoon and Billy Connolly in a tale of archery and royalty while Monsters, Inc. directed by Pete Docter grossed $525 million worldwide after its release in November 2001.
Ross emphasized the diversity of the banners under the studio umbrella — from Disney‘s bemused and decidedly modern take on the Rapunzel fairy tale in Tangled to Pixar, Marvel and DreamWorks‘ distinctive brands and approaches. But, he added, none has a “silo mentality.”
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
