International
Harry Potter makes $7.44 mn in Australia in 24 hours
MUMBAI: The last film in the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 had the biggest opening day in Australia. The country was one of the first markets in the world in which the film opened.
The box office figures of the film that have started rolling in have gladdened Warner Bros. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 smashed opening day figures for the Australian box office when the film took AUS$7.02 million ($7.44 million) in 24 hours, eclipsing previous record holder, Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King by nearly $1.8 million.
“We‘re thrilled to see this powerful response from such a broad range of moviegoers. These incredible results are a testament to the incredible achievement of the filmmakers, cast, and, of course, J.K. Rowling, and should ensure the film series’ place in history for years to come,” said distributor Roadshow Films‘s managing director Joel Pearlman.
Pearlman indicated that the result should help cement the Harry Potter series as the top-grossing film franchise of all time.
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.
