International
DreamWorks Studios bags filming rights of Shadow and Bone
MUMBAI: DreamWorks Studios has acquired the filming rights of Leigh Bardugo‘s debut novel Shadow and Bone. This was announced by Holly Bario, President of Production at the studio.
Shadow and Bone‘ is a riveting and wholly original adventure set in a breathtakingly imaginative world. In the film, a young woman must learn to control her newly discovered power in order to save her country from the Shadow fold, a creature-filled darkness that threatens to overrun the land.
Commented Bario, “At DreamWorks, we are always looking for great stories, and with Leigh‘s ‘Shadow and Bone‘ we found not just a fantastic story, but one set in a mystical and fascinating world that will translate well to the big screen. We are excited to begin adapting this book and look forward to working with David Heyman who has unparalleled proven success in this genre.”
Observed Bardugo, “I can‘t think of a better home for Shadow and Bone. From moment one, I knew the story would be in great hands, and I‘m truly thrilled.”
“Shadow and Bone” debuted on the New York Times‘ Best Sellers list with Bardugo being one of the few first-time authors to make that list this year. The book has been selling consistently since its 5th June publishing date and Macmillan went back for a third printing at the end of July. Amazon also selected Shadow and Bone as both an adult and children‘s ‘Book of the Month‘ pick and is the only title to have that distinction.
Internationally, the book was released simultaneously in the United Kingdom with ten more territories scheduled for release over the next year. The next book in the series, Siege and Storm is scheduled for release in June 2013 with the third installment coming in summer 2014.
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.
