International
Soderbergh to direct Liberace biopic
MUMBAI: Steven Soderbergh is all set to helm a Liberace biopic for HBO titled Behind the Candelabra. The film will have Michael Douglas play the legendary entertainer and Matt Damon as his younger lover, Scott Thorson.
“From the inception of this project, we‘ve had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it,” Soderbergh has been quoted to have said.
“HBO‘s fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldn‘t be happier,” he added.
The project boasts a script penned by Oscar-nominee Richard LaGravenese that has been inspired by Thorson‘s memoir, Behind the Candelabra: My Life With Liberace.
Douglas has long been attached to the film, which was originally set to start shooting in June 2010. Because of Douglas‘ battle with cancer and Damon‘s busy schedule, the production was delayed. The film is now set to roll in the summer of 2012.
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.
