International
Martin Scorsese faces lawsuit for delayed project
MUMBAI: Director Martin Scorsese has been sued by Cecchi Gori Pictures for going back on his promise of making a film project that he agreed to do 22 years ago.
According to the production house, the 69-year-old had entered into an agreement to make a film titled Silence way back in 1990. But, it was put on the back burner so that he could work on three of his films — The Departed, Shutter Island and Hugo.
The director had reportedly signed a new agreement to make Silence again in 2004 but kept delaying the project to make Wolf of Wall Street.
It is said that Scorsese paid for the right to do each of those films before Silence but never paid the hefty fee for Hugo.
The suit alleges the director owing Cecchi Gori Pictures a fee of $1.5 million, plus the value of his producer title on ‘Hugo‘ + 20 perc ent of his back-end on ‘Hugo‘.
Meanwhile, Martin Scorsese‘s representatives expressed shock that that Cecchi Gori Pictures has sued the famed director.
"It is shocking to us that the lawyers for Cecchi Gori Pictures would file a suit pursuing such absurd claims considering the amicable working relationship existing between Martin Scorsese and the principals of Cecchi Gori Pictures," Scorsese‘s representatives said in a statement.
"Mr. Scorsese is confident that he will prevail in court should Cecchi Gori Pictures actually pursue this meritless action," the statement added.
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.
