International
David Yates developing Who for film remake
MUMBAI: Harry Potter director David Yates is developing The BBC television series Who one of the longest-running in British history.
The development of the film that would have no connection to the show is in the very early stages. This allows Yates to work on other projects.
Who centers on an eccentric man known as the Doctor, an alien time lord who travels space and time with the help of a machine called the TARDIS, whose exterior appears to be a small police box but is actually gigantic inside. He regularly teams up with humans to save worlds.
Various actors have played the Doctor over the show‘s run, with the explanation being that when the character is dying, he can regenerate his body into a new form. The conceit could work wonderfully in a long-running movie franchise a la James Bond or Batman.
After it ran successfully between 1963 and 1989, the show was re launched into a global franchise in 2005.
Since the movie series ended, his name has surfaced in connection with several projects. Nothing has stuck so far, as Yates is taking his time choosing his follow-up.
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.
