International
The Avengers likely to gross $ 1 billion by Sunday
MUMBAI: Disney‘s The Avengers is expected to cross the $800 million mark Thursday and might gross $1 billion globally by Sunday or early next week. It is said that if it reaches the milestone on Sunday, its 19th day in release, it will be on par with Avatar and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in terms of record-breaking speed.
Through Wednesday, the film directed by Joss Whedon had grossed $775.4 million worldwide, including a Wednesday take of $31.2 million. Last weekend, it scored the biggest domestic debut of all time with an intake of $207.4 million.
This weekend Avengers could well gross $100 million domestically and $100 million overseas. But those numbers could come in lower if the drop is bigger than expected.
The only new wide release of the weekend is Tim Burton‘s campy adaptation of the 1966-71 daytime soap Dark Shadows.The film that has Johnny Depp in the lead as a vampire is likely to open between the $35 million to $40 million range domestically. It also opens in 42 markets overseas, where Depp is a huge international star.
Dark Shadows could beat Avengers in certain territories but might not be able to match Avengers‘ overall weekend international gross. Burton‘s film got off to a strong start Wednesday in France, grossing roughly $770,000 to beat Avengers on its third Wednesday.
Made at a cost of $100 million, Dark Shadows should go well among women though interest has picked up among men in recent days.
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.
