International
The Amazing Spider-Man beats Transformers opening Tuesday performance
MUMBAI: Sony‘s The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone has beaten the $27.9 million debut of the first version of Transformers that released in 2007. The Marc Webbs-directed film had set off early 4 July at the domestic box office.
The $220 million Sony reboot — looking to relaunch the franchise by going back to the beginning with a new cast — nabbed the top opening for a Tuesday with roughly $35 million, eclipsing the $27.9 million debut of Transformers on the same day in 2007.
“We are off to an outstanding start here in North America with big fireworks still to come!,” a Sony executive said.
Spider-Man, starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, is being helped at the box office by the upcharge for a 3D ticket and is doing big business in Imax theaters, the favourite venue of young fans. Roughly around 300 Imax theaters contributed $4 million to the $35 million booty.
Estimates vary in terms of how much Spider-Man will earn in its six-day debut. Bullish observers believe it could earn $120 million to $140 million.
On the other hand, Transformers had grossed $155.4 million in its six-day debut after opening on Tuesday although it grossed $8.8 million in advance Monday night shows and a total of $13.5 million including midnight runs.
The film, also starring Martin Sheen, Denis Leary and Sally Fields, is off to a stellar start overseas, where it debuted to $50 million last weekend in only 11 territories.
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.
