International
The Avengers collects $218 million till Monday
MUMBAI: Disney and Marvel Studios appear to have a runaway hit on their hands. Joss Whedon‘s superhero film The Avengers has been continuously doing a terrific business overseas, where its total through Monday has reached $218 million.
The Avengers, which only began rolling out at the international box office late last week, is easily on track to become the most successful title produced in-house by Marvel Studios, besting the $623 million worldwide gross of 2010‘s Iron Man 2.
And the 3D film which unites many of Marvel‘s marquee superheroes has also reportedly done good business on Tuesday as a May Day holiday was observed in many foreign markets.
At this pace, Avengers‘ foreign gross likely will grow to $350 million-$400 million by Sunday, boosted by its debut in Russia and China this weekend.
Avengers will open on Thursday in North America, where it‘s widely expected to debut north of $150.
Bullish box office observers believe Avengers could finish the weekend with a global gross well north of $500 million if not closer to $600 million.
Last summer, Marvel‘s Thor grossed $449.3 million worldwide, while Captain America: The First Avenger earned $368.6 million.
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.
