International
Ang Lee to helm Cleopatra with Angelina Jolie in lead
MUMBAI: Ang Lee, who is awaiting the release of his latest film Life of Pi will reportedly helm the Angelina Jolie-starrer Cleopatra after talks with filmmaker David Fincher broke off. It is said that Fincher was the third filmmaker who decided to pass on the project that was in development since 2010.
In October last year, ‘Titanic‘ helmer James Cameron was attached to the project but he let it go because of his commitment to the Avatar film franchise. Later, Paul Greengrass, director of The Bourne Ultimatum was tapped but he too remained hesitant to take up the project.
The film is an adaptation of Stacy Schiff`s book Cleopatra: A Life, the story of which sees Cleopatra as a firm ruler and military tactician who embarks on a ruthless rise to power. She twice married her brothers, killing each of them as well as a sister.
Romantic alliances with the much-older Roman honchos Julius Caesar and Marc Antony helped Cleopatra solidify power, but her relations with Antony undid both of them.
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.
