International
Sony will sell TV and film content via Comcast’s Xfinity
MUMBAI: Comcast, the largest cable company and home internet service provider in the United States on 11 March announced that it has signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) to sell the studio’s titles through the Xfinity On Demand – the digital store for Xfinity, the company’s rebranded trademark for triple play services in Comcast’s largest markets including the company’s digital cable, cable Internet access and cable telephone services and radio.
In the coming weeks, Xfinity TV customers will be able to purchase Sony Pictures movies and TV shows to own and access any time, any where, on any device, often before the DVD release.
The Sony Pictures library is a terrific addition to Comcast’s rapidly expanding offering of hit films and TV shows available for purchase. Comcast Cable Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition Michael Schreiber said in a press statement, “The response to the digital store has been encouraging and tells us our customers love the flexibility and ease of purchasing content directly from Xfinity On Demand to watch when and where they want it.”
“Sony Pictures is pleased that this agreement brings significant titles to Comcast customers,” said SPHE President Man Jit Singh. “We deeply value our relationship with Comcast and look forward to working closely with them to meet the needs of all audiences.”
Among the first titles available for purchase will be the multi-Academy Award nominated American Hustle which will be available to own digitally on March 11.
Other Sony Pictures movie and TV titles that will be available for purchase in the coming weeks include the critically-acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad, as well as popular movies such as Captain Phillips, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, The Amazing Spiderman and 21 Jump Street.
Comcast customers have the ability to purchase movies and television shows – often weeks before they are available to rent or purchase on Blu-ray and DVD – and store them seamlessly in the cloud. Their content can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, on their TV, PC or mobile devices. Purchased titles are added to customers’ On Demand menus which are easily accessible on the TV, online or via the Xfinity On Demand Purchases app.
The Comcast catalog now includes content from FOX, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros.
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.
