International
Latest Harry Potter film is third highest grosser
MUMBAI: After collecting $ 1.14 billion globally including a domestic haul of $343. 1 million, Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 has surpassed The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King to become the third-highest-grossing film of all time at the worldwide box office.
In terms of global records, Return of the King, released in 2003, grossed $1.12 worldwide ($377 million at the domestic box office and $791.1 million overseas).
The film is days away from overtaking Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ($798.1 million) to become the No. 1 international title of the year. It should register itself at the No. 3 spot as there is little chance that it will rise any further and overtake Avatar ($2.8 billion) or Titanic ($1.8 billion), the No. 1 and No. 2 films, respectively.
But that doesn’t mean that Deathly Hallows has run its course, particularly overseas, where it grossed $63.1 million over the 5 to 7 August period to top the box office for a fourth consecutive weekend. The total includes a $26.5 million opening in China.
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.
