International
Keith Richards to play father of Johnny Depp in next Pirates of the Caribbean
MUMBAI: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has been confirmed to play the character of Captain Teague in the fifth edition of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Though the 68-year-old musician is unsure when the next installment of the hit franchise will start filming, he said he will again make an appearance as the father of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp‘s lead character).
“So they say, you know, I‘ve got the costume, and I‘m waiting for the heads up, but apparently there is. I don‘t know if it‘ll be next year that we shoot it or whatever, but as I say, you know, I got the costume and the beard and the shirt,” Richards has been quoted to have said.
Richards also said that he will know when he is required as soon as he hears from his friend and co-star Depp. “I‘ll wait for a call from Johnny,” he added.
Richards had earlier appeared in the last two films in the series like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World‘s End and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
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.
