International
Kirsten Stewart to play the lead in Lie Down in Darkness
MUMBAI: Kristen Stewart has edged out Jennifer Lawrence to clinch the lead role in Lie Down in Darkness.
The 22-year old actress will play Peyton Loftis in the adaptation of William Styron‘s 1951 novel of the same name. The film tells the story of a girl whose mother is jealous of her and father harbours an incestuous feeling towards her, it is understood.
Scott Cooper who had earlier directed Crazy Heart, will helm the project for producer Jeff Sharp.
Here, it may be said that Lawrence was initially up for the role but could not commit in the end due to her busy schedule filming sequels to The Hunger Games and X-Men: First Class.
It is unknown when Lie Down in Darkness is expected to go into production.
Stewart is currently in the eye of the storm after it was revealed that she cheated on boyfriend Robert Pattinson with Rupert Sanders, the married director of her last project Snow White and the Huntsman.
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.
