International
Disney plans sequel to Oz the Great and Powerful
MUMBAI: Planning for sequels has slowly become the norm in Hollywood.
Even before the release of the fantasy-adventure Oz the Great and Powerful, the makers have already planned a sequel. The film opens today in theatres worldwide.
Expecting a box-office bonanza this weekend, Disney has taken this measure. In this connection the makers have hired Mitchell Kapner to write a script for the follow-up that would continue the adventures of Oz played by James Franco.
It may be remembered that Kapner came up with the concept and ideas for the origin story of Oz that is based on the classic L Frank Baum books. He pitched the idea to producer Joe Roth who set it up at Disney.
The film stars Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams.
Before Oz, Kapner wrote The Whole Nine Yards and its sequel, The Whole Ten Yards, and also worked on the action movie Romeo Must Die.
Planning for sequels has slowly become the norm in Hollywood.
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.
