International
Sebastian Maniscalco and father Salvo share hilarious stories
Mumbai: Tale padre, tale figlio (Like father, like son). O no? Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical About My Father starring Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco is the whimsical tale of a father-son duo that are nothing alike. Torn between impressing his fiance’s parents and leaving his father alone on fourth July, a son decides his best bet is bringing the two together. However, when Italian meets American; chaos is sure to ensue. Full of hilarious instances and riotous moments, About My Father is set to hit your screens on 26 May 2023. Inspired by the true story of Sebastian Maniscalco and his father Salvo Maniscalco, the film also sees Leslie Bibb and Kim Catrall in titular roles.
Talking about his early days in the US, Sebastian Maniscalco’s real-life father, Salvo Maniscalco said, “I came to the United States, from Sicily, when I was 15 years old. School really wasn’t for me, so I told my father, who was a barber, that I wanted to be a hairdresser. So, I’ve been working as a hairdresser since the age of 18.”
Giving a sweet tribute to his father, lead actor Sebastian Maniscalco said, “Salvo has been instrumental in my career. He’s been supportive as my biggest fan and critic. We’ve had this journey together, starting during my high school years, when we shared a passion for soccer. Then, once I became a stand-up (comedian), he jumped onto that. Salvo’s still vocal on what he likes and dislikes about my act. Now, he’s joined me on this journey with ‘About My Father.’” Salvo quickly added, “I’m the consultant on the film. I was on set to make sure they were doing justice to me!”
Of course, with the casting of Robert De Niro as Salvo, the elder Maniscalco had nothing to worry about – “Obviously, De Niro was my number one choice for the role of Salvo, and when we learned he was interested, we were like, ‘wow,’” remembered Sebastian.
Helmed by Laura Terruso and written by Austen Earl and Sebastian Maniscalco, the movie will be released by Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures.
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.
