International
Daniel Craig eyes psychological thriller
MUMBAI: The latest James Bond has proved a critical and commercial success in his two turns in the iconic role, for Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. But he has been deliberate in choosing his next live-action role.
Now comes word he is in early talks to star in Dream House a psychological thriller set up at Morgan Creek to be directed by Jim Sheridan, though principals stress that the two sides have not reached a deal.
In the David Loucka script, Craig would play a man who moves his family to an idyllic small town, only to find his house haunted by its former inhabitants, who were murdered there.
With a pedigreed director like Sheridan, the movie would accomplish the goal of branching Craig out into a more prestige direction post-“Quantum” while keeping him in the realm of the commercial.
Like other Bond actors, Craig has faced a crossroads coming off Bond hits. His two other roles, Munich and Defiance saw him essentially take on a more art house version of the Bond character of hit man and vigilante.
Craig already has shown interest in more boutique fare, recently signing for the Broadway drama A Steady Rain. His name also surfaced in connection with The Eagle of the Ninth, Kevin Macdonald‘s period pic for Focus Features.
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.
