International
Sony and MGM gung ho about Skyfall crossing $1 billion mark
MUMBAI: Happiness refuses to die down at the Sony and MGM headquarters as their latest James Bond-starrer Skyfall has rung in 2013 by crossing the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales.
Directed by Sam Mendes, the film reached the milestone on Sunday when its worldwide tally hit $1 billion, by far the best showing of any Bond film not accounting for inflation.
The film, that has grossed $289.6 million domestically and $710.6 million internationally, has become the highest grossing film in Sony‘s history and the first to jump $1 billion.
Otherwise too, Skyfall continued to break records in the UK during the weekend when it grossed $1.4 million for a total take of $161.6 million and become the first film ever to cross the 100 million pound mark.
The film, from Eon Productions, is the 23rd installment in the iconic British spy franchise. Skyfall also stars Javier Bardem, Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes.
Skyfall is the third movie of 2012 to cross $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales after Disney and Marvel‘s The Avengers ($1.51 billion) and Warner Bros‘ The Dark Knight Rises ($1.08 billion). Including Skyfall, only 14 films have grossed $1 billion or more.
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.
