International
Reese Witherspoon to enter the ‘Pharm’ business
MUMBAI: Reese Witherspoon and Universal are partnering up to make a comedy that throws Witherspoon into yet another uncharted territory – the pharmaceutical business.
According to an article on HollywoodReporter.com, “The studio is developing Pharm Girl, an aspirational comedy centering on one woman‘s odyssey through the drug industry.‘”
The scribes behind the 2003 Billy Bob Thornton comedy, “Bad Santa,” are writing the screenplay and may direct. Meanwhile, Witherspoon is producing the film under her Type A banner.
The project centers on a woman (Witherspoon) who gets a job at a pharma powerhouse but begins to see the underbelly of the industry as she rises through the company‘s ranks. Tracy Falco and Maradith Frenkel are overseeing for the studio.”
The pharmaceutical industry is no stranger to being portrayed in past Hollywood motion pictures as an underhanded and felonious business. Some examples include the 1993 Harrison Ford drama, The Fugitive and the industry‘s villainous ways were also the focal point of the 2005 Ralph Fiennes/Rachel Weisz thriller, The Constant Gardner.
Meanwhile, Witherspoon‘s star has continued to rise in Hollywood as she has starred in hit comedies like 1999‘s Election as well as 2001‘s Legally Blonde and its 2003 sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde. Yet, she has also shown audiences her keen ability to handle more dramatic roles. This was proven when in 2005 she won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of June Carter in the biopic of singer Johnny Cash‘s life, entitled Walk the Line.
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.
