International
Disney trims 5 per cent of workforce
MUMBAI: Walt Disney Studios has decided to retrench 5 per cent of its employees even as its revenue from the home entertainment business has dipped.
DVD was one of the major revenue drivers for Hollywood, so much so that even if the movie didn‘t do well in theatres home entertainment business made up for the losses. Ever since the downfall of DVD sales, studios are becoming cautious about spending and are trimming their overheads. The reason for the decline is the emergence of other digital alternatives like Netflix and Amazon.com which are more convenient and less expensive.
The DVD slump has forced Hollywood studios to re-evaluate budgets. Although majority of the layoffs are a result of Disney combining its global and domestic distribution operations, a few cuts have also come from marketing and production.
It is not just Disney that has been affected by the home entertainment business; other studios like Paramount are soon going to follow Disney‘s lead.
The increase in the number of films made by DreamWorks, Marvel and Pixar and Disney‘s dependence on these studios have also led to Disney‘s decision to shed off 250 people. Disney‘s decrease in original production means fewer employees are needed.
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.
