International
Chabon may write Disney’s Magic Kingdom
MUMBAI: Author and scriptwriter Michael Chabon may write Disney‘s Magic Kingdom. The film is the studio‘s family adventure project set in its flagship theme park that is being directed by Jon Favreau.
The initial draft has neen written by Ron Moore who revived the recent TV series Battlestar Galactica, but a new writer was sought when Favreau came on board. Chabon has a good chance at being that writer.
Chabon and Favreau have talked about the project and a possible team-up on Kingdom. No offer has been made and obviously meetings with Disney executives would need to take place.
Chabon has been with Disneyhavibg worked on the studio‘s Snow White project titled Snow and the Seven as well as its upcoming adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs book series John Carter of Mars. He is also penning a book for Broadway-bound Dumbo musical.
Chabon is best known for his novels such as Wonder Boys and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.
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.
