International
Octavia Spencer eyes film production
MUMBAI: Octavia Spencer, winner of the Oscar in the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ category for The Help, has made her intention clear of turning a producer.
“I don‘t have any role that I want to play. I want to be a producer. I want to be an activist. I was to be pro-active in bringing about work for men, women, boys, girls, everybody who is good at what they do and deserve a shot,” she has been reported to have said.
After winning the golden statuette, Spencer admitted she was ‘humbled‘ by the accolade and hoped that she could be a beacon of hope to aspiring actresses. “I‘m very humbled because I get to stand here and accept this award and I haven‘t really done anything. I hope that in some way I can be some kind of beacon of hope, especially am I am not the typical Hollywood beauty,” she observed.
Spencer can next be seen in an yet-untitled film by Diablo Cody.
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.
