International
John Carter at top with $101.2 mn
MUMBAI: Andrew Stanton‘s 3D science-fiction John Carter hit $30.6 million in its North American debut thanks to an uptick on Saturday, while the film opened internationally to $70.6 million for a total $101.2 million. In an otherwise bland box office weekend offshore, the film‘s robust performance provided a much-needed jolt.
Although the Disney film‘s weekend overseas tally was easily the best so far, it does reflect the film‘s under-performance in key territories. Like for example, in Mexico that is usually far more receptive to adventure-fantasy vehicles, the film grossed less than $3 million ($2.9 million).
The disparity between the Russian gross and the opening takes in key European territories has, however, been in double digits. The Australia figure appears undernourished given Carter‘s production budget and promotional push.
The $250-million-plus live action-computer animation fantasy claimed the No. 1 spots in at least nine territories mostly in Asia including ($3.4 million from some 250 locations) in Australia. However, the biggest single market by far was Russia where Carter took 25 per cent of the territory‘s weekend box office by grossing $17.5 million.
In Germany, the film competing with Intouchables, generated $3 million. Carter is placed second in the UK ($2.9 million), France ($3.8 million) and in South Korea ($3.9 million).
Placed in the second spot on the weekend overall was 20th Century Fox‘s This Means War that collected $9.4 million on the weekend from 3,662 situations in 52 territories. With this, the film lifted its overseas gross total to $57.5 million.
At No. 3 was Journey 2: The Mysterious Island which was in the top spot in the previous four weekends grossed $9.2 million from 53 markets, thus lifting its overseas gross total to $200 million compared to $143 grossed overseas by its 2008 predecessor Journey To The Center Of The Earth.
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.
