International
Louis D’Esposito is Marvel Studios co-president
MUMBAI: As Marvel Entertainment prepares to hand over the keys of its comic book kingdom to Disney, it has started effecting major staff changes in its films division.
In a major move, Louis D‘Esposito has been elevated from the post of president of physical production to co-president of the studio. He will work along with Kevin Feige to oversee the studio‘s production schedule. The twosome will report to Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter.
D‘Esposito had been in an important position and was overseeing the budgets and timelines of Marvel‘s slate of self-financed films, including the Iron Man franchise, The Incredible Hulk reboot, as well as Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.
Talking about D‘Esposito Feige said, “an incredible friend and collaborator, and his expertise within the film industry steering the budgetary and operational demands of moviemaking is instrumental in taking our characters from the pages of comic books to the big screen.”
D‘Esposito served as an executive producer on Iron Man and its sequel.
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.
