International
Battle: Los Angeles set to have good opening
MUMBAI: Sci-fi war film Battle: Los Angeles starring Aaron Eckhart is eyeing a roughly $30 million bow, while the Amanda Seyfried film Red Riding Hood is expecting to make up to $20 million. There‘s also a new family offering in Disney‘s 3D toon Mars Needs Moms.
Hollywood is hoping that the first two films will lure in young moviegoers, who have been conspicuously absent from the multiplex. But lack of interest has made Disney brace for a poor opening.
Battle: L.A. doesn‘t have A-list stars but has an ethnically diverse cast that includes Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan and Michael Pena.
On the other hand Red Riding Hood, directed by Catherine Hardwicke that has made Warner‘s rely heavily on his name in promoting the film. Red Riding Hood is based on the well-known fairy tale but only in this version, the wolf is a werewolf.
Box office observers are suggesting an opening gross of $18 million to $20 million for Red Riding Hood. That would be great start since the film opening in roughly 3,000 theaters did cost $40 million to produce.
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.
