International
MGM looks to avoid bankruptcy
MUMBAI: Burdened by a debt load totaling almost $4 billion, MGM executives were hoping to get enough hit movies into theatres quickly enough to solve its money woes internally, but with growing signs of restlessness among studio creditors
One big motivator: MGM‘s long-standing hold on the 007 franchise could come into play in a court-supervised reorganisation. To avoid that, MGM might consider giving up a sizable portion of their equity holdings.
MGM is owned by a consortium including Sony, Comcast, TPG Capital and Providence Equity. No one is suggesting that talks between the studio and its creditors have yielded a specific game plan. But some sort of voluntary restructuring could emerge in the absence of any obvious white-knight investor.
One scenario would see a creditors-led restructuring in which the lenders are allowed to swap a sizable portion of MGM debt for studio equity. Current debt-holders include Elliott Associates, a New York-based hedge fund closely tied to Hollywood producer Ryan Kavanaugh that‘s been buying up hundreds of millions in distressed MGM debt.
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.
