International
Fifth extension to MGM in debt recovery case
MUMBAI: In debts of over more than $ 400 million, MGM has won a fifth extension in terms of deadlines.
The studio had initially tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer for the studio and more recently has been searching for new equity investors to assist in a massive restructuring.
The studio and its lenders also have been meeting with industry VIPs such as Peter Chernin, Roger Birnbaum and others for input on its restructuring plans.
The latest deadline gives MGM time till 14 July to make payments to a large group of lenders who are expected to end up with the majority of studio equity following a likely bankruptcy.
MGM has been under a 15 May debt-payment deadline following the failure of previous extensions of separate deadlines on principal and interest payments.
“Lenders agreed to extend the forbearance period and therefore will not seek remedies in connection with the nonpayment of interest and principal due on the company‘s bank debt,” the studio announced in a brief press statement.
Time Warner topped bidders in a failed MGM auction with a $1.7 billion offer, but the Warner Bros. parent isn‘t interested in partial ownership. On the other hand, TW could re-engage with the Lion at any point to negotiate a modestly increased bid for the entire studio.
MGM‘s owners include Providence Equity, TPG Capital, Sony, Comcast, DLJ Merchant and Quadrangle.
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.
