International
Danny Boyle quashes report of him directing a Bond film
MUMBAI: Slumdog Millionaire director, who drew in lots of kudos for putting across one of the most memorable moments of the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, has scoffed reports that he was contemplating to direct a James Bond film. He was appearing in an interview on BBC Radio 4‘s Front Row.
Asked if he‘d ever want to helm a Bond film, he averred, "No, I‘m not very good with huge amounts of money. Don‘t trust me with huge amounts of money. I did The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. The film was a proper Hollywood scale budget and it didn‘t suit me."
The 2000 made film cost a reported $50 million. Although it turned to be a profit-making project in the worldwide box office, it fared poorly with critics.
"Certain people can handle that and I love watching those kinds of films," Boyle observed adding, "but I‘m much better with a smaller amount of money and trying to make it go a long way."
Other low-budget films he‘s directed include 28 Days Later, Trainspotting and Millions."
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.
