International
MGM lenders to decide course of action on Thursday
MUMBAI: Lenders of MGM will meet on Thursday to decide a course of action in the wake of not-so-happy bids for the studio.
Further bidding for the entire studio is unlikely, but a handful of investors may likely be asked to make offers on narrow equity stakes as a means of raising operating capital.
It may be noted that Wednesday is the deadline on a $200 million-plus interest payment by MGM, the credit facility of which expires on 8 April 8.
To get past those two deadlines, something like a 15-day extension of the most recent debt-forbearance agreement is envisioned. MGM and its consultant Moelis & Co. have asked for a 45-day extension, but lenders seem in no mood to comply.
Though attempts to sell the studio outright seem to have hit a road block, an eventual restructuring of the Lion appears inevitable. Companies keen to assist in the process are expected to meet representatives of Moelis and MGM chief Stephen Cooper in an effort to detail investment proposals key to any restructuring.
While Access Industries, Qualia Capital and Anchorage Advisors are among those willing to invest $500 million-$1 billion in MGM to obtain a chunk of studio equity, News Corp. has also show interest.
While Sony has evinced interest in the James Bond rights, Warner Bros. would be willing to buy out MGM‘s share of Hobbit which Warners controls 50-50 with the Lion.
Meeting in Los Angeles, a J.P. Morgan-led lenders committee will discuss ways to restructure MGM, with the aim of making a recommendation to the entire lenders group.
The debtholders would have about a week to vote, with two-thirds majority needed to approve any plan.
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.
