International
Helen Mirren to star in Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical ‘Golda’
Mumbai: Everything is fair in love and war. Or is it? Following the heart-wrenching Israeli War of 1973, Lionsgate brings to you the gripping tale of Golda as she navigates through the hardships of being a leader in a time of tragedy. Taking a deep dive into one of the most pivotal years of Israel’s history, Golda showcases the personal and professional struggles of the country’s highly controversial and only female leader. Starring Helen Mirren (who won an Oscar for her performance in The Queen) as Golda Meir, the Iron Lady of Israel, the film is set to make its theatrical release in India on 1 September. The film also stars Camille Cottin, Ellie Piercy, and Liev Schreiber in titular roles.
Talking about the real Golda Mier and her tenure as the Israeli prime minister, director Guy Nattiv said, “She will always be connected to the failure of the Yom Kippur war. Golda was the wrong person, in the wrong place, in the wrong time. She didn’t want to be a Prime Minister, but she had to take the job because no one else wanted it at that time. They pushed her to be a Prime Minister and then she was thrown into this mayhem and trying to deal with the mess. Israelis are so conflicted about her character. Now, if you look outside of Israel, and Jews outside of Israel, they see more of the romantic story of Golda who came from Milwaukee to Israel when she was a young woman, full of Zionism and a hope to help the country. She was the Iron Lady of Israel and, like Margaret Thatcher, there are some people who love her and some people who hate her.”
Helmed by Guy Nattiv and written by Nicholas Martin, the movie will be released by Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures.
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.
