International
Lionsgate acquires distribution rights of Burst 3D
MUMBAI: Film studio Lionsgate has acquired worldwide distribution rights of Burst 3D, a horror/thriller to be produced by Ghost House Pictures. Neil Marshall, who had warlier written and directed Lionsgate‘s 2006 horror film The Descent, is likely to direct the film.
In the film a group of stranded travelers meet during a blizzard and are stalked by a malevolent force that makes people spontaneously combust.
Lionsgate says that it was the first to apply next-generation 3D technology to the horror genre with My Bloody Valentine 3D, released 16 January this year.
Says Lionsgate president of motion picture production Mike Paseornek, “We are thrilled to be working again with Neil Marshall, a modern master of horror, suspense and action. With Neil at the helm of Burst 3D, horror fans are guaranteed one of the most terrifying and innovative experiences of their movie-going lives.”
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.
