International
Essential, Gigapix team up on children’s films
MUMBAI: Essential Entertainment has signed with Gigapix Studios for five G and PG-rated live-action children‘s films through its subsidiary Recess Films.
The company‘s president of worldwide distribution, John Fremes will handle international sales on the slate while Anchor Bay has entered into a first-look deal to handle US distribution on the slate.
Under the deal, Anchor Bay will distribute across theatrical, home entertainment and television platforms with a commitment from Gigapix to fund a minimum P&A outlay of $6 million and 600 screens per film.
Depending on how well titles test in advance screenings, each release may go up to $20m P&A spend and 2,000 screens.
Gigapix will produce the five live-action films ranging from $8 to 10 million each and a single $20m CG-animated film over the next three years. Financial consultant Dominic Ianno played an integral role in structuring the distribution relationships and will serve as executive producer on the slate.
Gigapix said it expected to announce the next two live-action titles and the animated project within weeks.
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.
