International
Iron Man 3 rakes in the even before its US release
MUMBAI: The third installment in Marvel’s Iron Man series is breaking records in many markets as reported by the Hollywood Reporter.
The Robert Downey Jr starrer has continued to give a strong performance since Thursday when it opened in supplementary foreign markets, grossing $23.3 million to bump its two-day international total to an astounding $36.5 million.
The Disney and Marvel Studios tent-pole, returning Downey in the title role, is racing ahead of Iron Man 2 in many international markets, prompting box-office observers to speculate that the ‘threequel‘ is benefiting mightily from last year‘s mega blockbuster The Avengers, which starred Downey‘s character along with other Marvel superheroes.
Iron Man 3 is opening internationally a week ahead of its North American debut on 3 May, similar to Iron Man 2, which posted a foreign opening of about $100 million in 2010. Pundits expect Iron Man 3 to post a foreign opening north of $110 million.
The superhero franchise rolled out in a dozen countries on Wednesday, making $13.2 million. On Thursday, it opened in another raft of markets. In Korea, the movie opened to $3 million — the third-biggest opening of all time behind the final Pirates of the Caribbean movie and the third Transformers.
Iron Man 3 opened to $3.6 million in the UK, just 9 per cent behind Avengers. while in Argentina, it opened to $700,000, the second-biggest debut of all time behind the final Harry Potter movie.
By Sunday, the threequel will be playing in 80 per cent of the international marketplace, minus the U.S., China and Russia. Disney said on Friday that the Chinese release date has been shifted from 3 May to 1 May.
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.
