International
James Bond car auctioned for $389,000
MUMBAI: The 2008 Aston Martin car used by Daniel Craig in the Bond film Quantum of Solace has been sold in an auction of Bond movie memorabilia for 241,300 pounds (around $389,000), it is understood.
The cost of the 2008 Aston Martin 6 litre V12 DBS 2 door coupe, which went to an anonymous buyer, was 1.5 times higher. The trading took place in the presence of 600 VIP guests. Many items of the auction were presented by the stars of the film.
Actress Judi Dench, who plays M, presented one of the most piquant lots, a pair of blue trunks worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royal. “All I can tell you, they are unwashed,” the actress said in a lighter vein.
The trunks were sold for 44,500 pounds and will be given to a charity fund Women For Women.
The second most expensive item in the auction was an Omega watch made of titanium and used by Craig in the soon to-be releaseed film Skyfall. The watch was expected to be sold for some 8,000 pounds but was sold for 157,300 pounds.
Former Bond, Roger Moore presented a musical score of the soundtrack for the same film signed by the British singer Adele, performer of the title track. The lot was sold for 13,800 pounds.
The total cost of the 1 pieces that were auctioned was 752,100 pounds. All proceeds will go to various charitable organisations.
The auction was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond movie.
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.
