International
Sony pulls out of distribution in Argentina
MUMBAI: After signing a sub-distribution deal with United International Pictures (UIP) regarding all film material, Sony Pictures has decided to pull out of its distributing operation in Argentina.
As of 1 July, UIP, that distributes films of both Universal and Paramount, will handle Columbia‘s films in the country that includes the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man.
An official announcement, pertaining to the matter, was jointly issued yesterday by Mauricio Duran, senior vice president (vp) for distribution and marketing at Universal Pictures International for Latin America, Mark Viane, senior vp at Paramount Pictures International for Latin America and Asia and Steve Bruno, senior vp of international distribution of Sony Pictures Releasing.
According to sources, Columbia wasn‘t having much success in the region and, except in cases like Smurfs or Men in Black, was releasing films as late as two months after their US release.
A similar situation occurred last year in Venezuela, when Paramount pulled out claiming the state‘s currency restrictions had made it impossible for them to do business in the country.
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.
