International
Weienstein in deal with Goldman Sachs to wipe of debts
MUMBAI: In its bid to wipe out its $450 million debt, film studio Weinstein Co. has signed an agreement with Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Weinstein will retain 150 titles including The Reader and Inglourious Basterds, Goldman and its partner Assured Guaranty Ltd. will have possession of titles including Halloween II and The Road.
Goldman was paid $115 million to take ownership of 250 films with $225 million in receivables and future cash flow that would wipe out Weinstein‘s debt. The studio can buy them back before 2016. Weinstein will manage the films.
“Obviously this is an exciting time for the company,” commented Harvey Weinstein. “It‘s always nice when a deal can be a win-win for all partners involved,” he added.
Shares of Goldman Sachs declined by 20 per cent and fell 9 cents to $134.98in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.
Said Goldman in an e-mailed statement, “We believe that the restructuring will allow the Weinstein Company to continue to produce new films, and to create value for all of its stakeholders.”
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.
