International
Hopkins to play Hitchkock
MUMBAI: Anthony Hopkins is talking to production company Montecito to star in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Rebello‘‘s 1998 book, ‘Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho‘.
Hopkins will play Hitchcock in a new non-fiction film that will deal with the director‘‘s life and film career.
The book focuses on the story of Hitchcock‘‘s decision to make the now-famous horror movie and the struggle he had to finance and get support for the film.
Hopkins, who is famed for his work in psycho-horror films like The Silence of Lambs, is keen on playing the role.
Sacha Gervasi, who is in talks to direct the film, may concentrate more on Hitchcock‘‘s relationship with his wife, Alma Reville.
Hopkins has won an Academy Award for his role as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs and reprised the character in a number of sequels. He‘‘s now appearing in the Satanic-horror The Rite that is set to release next week.
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.
