International
Leonardo Dicaprio part of Luhrmann next Hamlet
MUMBAI: Director Baz Luhrmann, who recently worked with Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘The Great Gatsby‘, wants to cast the star in ‘Hamlet‘. The 50-year-old Luhrmann has already worked with DiCaprio twice before and he now wants him in his next project as well.
According to The Hollywood Reporter Luhrmann said, "To me, Gatsby is the American Hamlet. What else could we possibly do as a follow-up?" He admits that it‘s presently just wishful thinking, but tackling Shakespeare‘s most complicated male character would be a fitting third entry for the actor/director duo.
Hamlet has been a staple of the theatre, and in turn, the cinema since the early days of film. The classic 1948 version saw Laurence Olivier become the first person to direct himself to a best actor Oscar.
Recent versions include Kenneth Branagh‘s breathtaking 242-minute 1996 adaptation, a 2000 modernized version starring Ethan Hawke, and Disney‘s The Lion King, which draws heavily from the play‘s story beats. On the TV side, Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter has noted the connections between his biker show and Hamlet, while a number of networks are currently in developments on their own Shakespearean series riffs.
The Great Gatsby is slated for a release in the US on 10 May and in UK on 16 May.
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.
