International
Cash-strapped MGM puts next Bond film on hold
MUMBAI: The continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of MGM, the work on the next Bond film Bond 23 has been put on hold indefinitely.
This came to light when Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions Ltd., producer of the long-running James Bond franchise issued a statement saying that development work on the next 007 film had been suspended because of financial difficulties at MGM.
Solicitations of offers to buy the studio resulted in a couple rounds of underwhelming bidding by studio companies such as Lionsgate, Warner Bros. and Fox.
More recently, News Corp. and others were into discussions of possible limited investments in the studio that has been cash-strapped and burdened by a big debt load.
After sharing Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace with Sony, MGM recently regained full control of the Bond franchise. The films together amassed $1.18 billion at the worldwide box-office.
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.
