International
Director Teddy Chen to collaborate with Celestial Pictures for two films
MUMBAI: Chinese filmmaker Teddy Chen will co-produce and direct his next two films with Hong Kong-based Chinese entertainment company Celestial Pictures.
While the first film will be a remake of a classic title from the Shaw Brothers Film Library owned by Celestial Pictures, the second project will be a modern action film inspired by current events.
Both projects are currently under development. Comments Celestial Pictures senior VP Theatrical Distribution Peter Poon, “Celestial Pictures is thrilled to partner with Teddy Chen on his next two directorial projects. He is well-known among international audiences for thrilling and edgy action films and unique dramas.
“His vision and dedication to the highest quality filmmaking certainly places him in the company of the top global producers and directors of feature films. Following his enormous success with Bodyguards and Assassins, Celestial Pictures looks forward to collaborating with Teddy to bringing to life his next two films”.
In addition to the two films, Celestial Pictures also announced that it has inked a multi-year agreement for the exclusive worldwide theatrical, television, mobile and new media distribution rights of The Enchanter the upcoming film from Chen‘s Sum-Wood Productions outside China.
The Enchanter will be directed by Derek Kwok Tsz-kin who recently won an HAF Award for a project originating in Hong Kong.
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.
