International
Spielberg-Reliance’s global hit ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ comes to India
MUMBAI: Anil D. Ambani-led studio Reliance Entertainment, and Steven Spielberg’s partnership venture, Amblin Partners’ film “A Dog’sPurpose”, is set to release in India today. The movie is an American comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström, based on the best selling 2010 novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron.
The film is about a dog that looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners. It turns out that human beings are not the only ones that have existential thoughts such as the meaning of life. Man’s best friend is also looking for purpose, hence the title A Dog’s Purpose. The caveat here is that these beloved canines are able to reincarnate into new bodies, sometimes switching breeds and genders.
A Dog’s Purpose, which released earlier this year in the US and China, has been a runaway success globally. The film has already crossed US$ 175 million (Rs. 1,100 crore) at the global box office, with China alone already contributing over US$ 75 million (Rs. 500 crore).
The movie is yet to release in several major international markets, such as UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Japan, Russia, etc.
Speaking about the film, Dennis Quaid, the actor, said, “Its such a fantastic story; I just had to do it. For me, it reminded of my first pet, Gertrude — that classic boy-dog experience,” he shared, his voice breaking a bit. “I’m getting welled up again.”
A Dog’s Purpose, besides being the first Hollywood film to release in India at the start of the summer, is a film for families and all ages, and will be enjoyed by parents and children alike.
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.
