International
Hangover’s ‘Stu’ Ed Helms in talks to co-star in Jason’s Stretch
MUMBAI: The Hangover star Ed Helms is in negotiations to be roped onboard the thriller movie, Stretch directed by Joe Carnahan.
Ed Helms would apparently be co-starring opposite the Insidious star Patrick Wilson in the movie.
It has been confirmed that Jason Blum, the producer of the weekend BO shocker, The Purge would be financially backing the thriller project under his Blumhouse production banner.
The story revolves around a limo driver nicknamed Stretch played by Patrick Wilson, who is trying to get clean and pay back a debt owed to a bookie when he gets the passenger from hell.
The Star Trek star Chris Pine has already been roped in and would play the passenger, who is selling his ledger of criminal associates to the highest bidder.
As reported by Hollywood Reporter, Helms is in talks to play a fellow chauffeur at Stretch‘s company, the ideal driver who is a ghost and shows up as Wilson‘s conscience.
While the cast has almost been finalised it is reported that the shooting would commence this summer.
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.
