International
Ron Howard to direct Formula 1 inspired Rush
MUMBAI: Oscar-winning director Ron Howard best known for his films A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code is set to direct the Formula 1 inspired movie Rush. The film will have Howard reunite with screenwriter Peter Morgan who had earlier paired on the Frost/Nixon.
Rush is about Niki Lauda’s 1976 season that features highlights like a rivalry with English racer James Hunt and a near-fatal crash in which Lauda lost the track, crashed, burned and went into a short coma. James Hunt won that race, but Lauda persisted in challenging him throughout other Grands Prix that year.
Lauda and Hunt, dominated Formula 1 in the 1970‘s but their contrasting lifestyles made for a compelling rivalry Hunt was known for his high-end London dining and party lifestyle while Lauda led a subdued life and once contemplated suicide during a low point in his career.
The 57-year-old director intends to shoot the film in Europe this year on a budget of around $ 50 million.
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.
