International
‘Smithsonian’ keeps itself on top overseas
MUMBAI: Pixar/Disney‘s animation film Up dipped its animated toes in international waters during the weekend but it was Fox‘s Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian that claimed the top spot overseas for the first time with $37.2 million from 9,000 screens in 100 markets.
The family comedy
After two stanzas atop the international circuit, Sony‘s Angels & Demons finished a close No. 2 this round, grossing $32.9 million from 10,145 screens in 101 territories. The follow-up to The Da Vinci Code ranked No. 1 in at least 14 markets, including Germany, where it tallied $4.8 for the weekend and Japan ($3.2 million). It has bagged $251.7 million overseas.
Like DreamWorks Animation‘s Monsters vs. Aliens before it, Up the 10th title from Pixar/Disney, opened in Russia ahead of its domestic bow largely because of piracy concerns. It drew an animated $4.2 million from 560 screens, ranking No. 1 and marking the biggest weekend opening of a Pixar/Disney title in the territory.
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.
