International
Schwarzenegger’s film Last Stand to roll in two months
MUMBAI: Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had put the project on hold in May after a scandal broke out about the lovechild he fathered with his housekeeper, will begin shooting for Kim-ji-Woon‘s Last Stand in September.
The western centres on a man who is forced to decide whether to have one last battle when disruptive strangers arrive in his town.
A Lionsgate studio executive has been reportedly quoted as saying, “It‘s a property which a zillion directors fell in love with: the good, the bad, the weird.It‘s an old-fashioned Western specifically designed for a 63-year-old broken-down guy with a moral decision – whether Arnold decides to stand up for his town. We always needed an iconic figure for it.”
It may be interesting to note that Liam Neeson was earlier attached to do the lead role before Schwarzenegger came on the scene.
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.
