International
Lionsgate in a distribution deal with Newmarket
MUMBAI: In a view to distribute indie‘s movies on all home entertainment platforms, Lionsgate has got into an exclusive arrangement with Newmarket under which most titles from the Newmarket catalogue will be distributed by Lionsgate.
The pact‘s first title would be the Charles Darwin biopic Creation which comes out on DVD, Blu-ray Disc and digital channels on 29 June.
“This deal is the perfect partnership for our company as we continue to grow and expand our theatrical distribution business,” Newmarket president Chris Ball said.
Averred Lionsgate president Steve Beeks, “I have known Chris for many years and have long admired how he has grown Newmarket into one of the top producers and distributors of independent film in the world.”
Founded in 1994 by Ball and William Tyrer, Newmarket was recently acquired by Exclusive Media Group, the labels of which include Hammer Films and Spitfire Pictures.
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.
