International
Nimrod Antal calls Matthew Modine and Liam Neeson ‘two kings of the craft’
Mumbai: It’s do or die! Lionsgate’s action packed Retribution starring the iconic Liam Neeson released in Indian theaters on 25 August. Directed by Nimrod Antal, this high-octane thriller follows Matt Turner in a cat and mouse chase when an anonymous caller threatens to blow up his family. With his back against a wall, Matt must battle his way out and protect his loved ones in order to clear his name. But the question remains – with a countdown underway, will he make it out alive? Retribution also sees Matthew Modine, Jack Champion and Embeth Davidtz in pivotal roles.
Talking about working with Liam Neeson and Matthew Modine, director Antal said, “We are talking about two men that I have been a fan of before I ever had an opportunity to be a colleague. They say you don’t want to meet your heroes, but, you know, sometimes you do. With Matthew and Liam, there’s an incredible warmth between them, but you’re also dealing with two kings of the craft. It’s pretty magical for me. When I have people of this caliber, it elevates my game and makes me very conscientious when it comes to my role. These guys really do hear what directors are saying. So I’m always very cautious as to what I’m saying.”
Helmed by Nimrod Antal, Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures released Retribution in India on 25 August 2023.
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.
