International
Star Trek director J.J. Abrams to move into Star Wars mode
MUMBAI: After successfully re-launching and establishing the Star Trek franchise, the Star Trek Into Darkness director, J.J. Abrams is all geared up to scale the astronomical franchise Star Wars. He recently shared his thoughts at the Produced By conference about his latest directorial venture Star Wars: Episode 7.
Speaking about the challenges of directing the new movie he said, "I think that the thing is so big and so massive to so many people that the key to moving forward is honoring but not revering what went before."
While the production on Star Wars Episode VII is set to start right at the beginning of 2014, the sci-fi movie is slated for a summer 2015 release. He also let out that he would be moving over to London with his family by the end of the year, to commence the shoot. However given the choice he would preferred to shoot the Star Wars movie in L.A. but as sources report the plan to shoot Star Wars Episode 7 for Disney in the UK was set much before Abrams was brought on board.
Abrams however remained put when asked by Hudlin about the storyline or whether the movie would be based partially on the dozens of novels that have come out over the years bridging various unexplored aspects of the films‘ characters in the franchise.
Abrams also discussed his feelings about the future of George Lucas, the legendary creator of the Star Wars saga, after he sold Lucas films to Disney last year. "George Lucas has spoken for years about wanting to make those smaller, more experimental films and I hope he does because I‘d really like to see them," he said.
Disney and Lucas film had announced last month that the Abrams-directed and Michael Arndt-scripted movie will be shot in the UK and that the latest incarnation of the Star Wars series is expected for summer 2015 release with two more films adding to franchise to follow over the next few years.
J.J. Abrams who made his feature directorial debut in the Tom Cruise starrer Mission Impossible 3, also has clips from Lost, Alias, Fringe, Person of Interest, Super 8 and the Star Trek films to his credit.
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.
