International
Ben Whishaw to play gadget maestro Q in Skyfall
MUMBAI: Now that the casting of the James Bond film Skyfall is nearing finalization, Ben Whishaw has been cast to play gadget maestro Q in the film. Whishaw‘s role would be that of the MI6 boffin who traditionally dishes out the gadgetry to 007 for his missions.
The actor joins the cast led by Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney among others, is reported to have been assigned the role for the Sam Mendes directed actioner.
It is very heartening to note that Whishaw will be the first Q in the franchise‘s history to be younger than 007. While he is 31, Craig is 43.
Q is a James Bond staple for older 007 fans as he hasn‘t appeared in a Bond adventure since 2002‘s Die Another Day when John Cleese essayed the role.
For the previous 36 years, the gadget whizz and inventor had been played by Desmond Llewelyn.
Skyfall is scheduled to release in the UK and Ireland in October 2012 and later in November the same year in November.
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.
