International
Matrix directors sued for alleged copyright infringement
MUMBAI: Andy and Lana Wachowski, the writer-director duo behind films like The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolution are being sued for USD 300 million by a writer who claims that the siblings stole his idea.
Hawaii-based writer Thomas Althouse has filed a lawsuit against the siblings, along with Joel Silver and Warner Bros in a Federal Court for copyright infringement. Althouse is representing himself in the case, it is understood.
Althouse claims that the two films were based and formulated in substantial part upon his screenplay. He has further accused all defendants of willfully infringing on his copyright for purposes of commercial advantage.
In his complaint, the Hawaiian born says that he wrote a screenplay titled The Immortals that was registered with the Writers Guild of America in 1993 and copyrighted with the US Copyright Office in 1996.
He also claims that he subsequently submitted his screenplay to Warner Bros through his attorney in 1993 and the studio acknowledged receipt of his play at that time.
Although the ‘Matrix‘ sequels released in 2003, Althouse says he didn‘t see the films until 2010, and it was then that he began investigating the similarities.
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.
