International
Madagascar 3 likely to edge out Prometheus
MUMBAI: Hollywood could be in for a wild ride at the domestic box office with Madagascar 3 likely to beat Prometheus for the top place in the US box office. Elsewhere, MIB 3 is set to surpass its predecessor at the worldwide box office.
Most box office observers believe Madagascar 3 will come in ahead of 20th Century Fox‘s Prometheus, although opinion is divided as to how close the race will be.
A wide range of opening numbers are being offered up for both Ridley Scott‘s highly anticipated sci-fi epic Prometheus and animated event pic Madagascar 3: Europe‘s Most Wanted.
DreamWorks Animation and Paramount have been predicting a $45 million to $50 million launch for Madgascar 3, but others believe it could play in the $55 million range or higher because of the popularity of the successful franchise.
Madgascar 2: Escape to Africa debuted to $63.1 million in early November 2008, while the first Madagascar scored $61 million over the long Memorial Day weekend in 2005.
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.
