International
Biopic of Pele in offing
Mumbai: Imagine Entertainment is developing a feature film based on the life and times of Pele, said to be the best footballer of all time. The film will entail him from his childhood to the time when he won his first World Cup at the age of 17.
“This will be more of a coming-of-age story that will trace Pele‘s childhood until he won his first World Cup in Sweden at the age of 17. The plan is to film the Pele movie in English with some Portuguese,” said Imagine President of Production Kim Roth.
The yet-untitled Pele biopic, that is expected to begin shooting in Brazil next year, is projected to be released prior to the World Cup.
No actor has yet been approached to portray the soccer legend.
It may be remembered that Pele, whose real name is Edison Arantes do Nascimento, had earlier appeared in a number of feature films and TV series.
His latest big screen appearance was in 2004 when he starred in “Pele Forever”, a documentary directed by Anibal Massaini Neto.
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.
