International
Virat Kohli is Hugh Grant’s one of favourite batsmen
MUMBAI: British actor Hugh Grant has recently revealed that he is amongst the millions of fans to be captivated by the young and dynamic Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.
The Hollywood star who has portrayed multiple roles in his upcoming movie ‘Cloud Atlas‘, himself has played quite a few celebrity cricket matches for charity.
Talking about Virat Kohli he commented, “Virat is one of my favourite batsmen from this new generation of cricketers. He is a treat to watch on field.”
Although Hugh Grant mentions that he is a profound cricket fan, he also revealed that he does not like the Twenty20 format of the game. He prefers the ‘civilised‘ test version of the sport, in spite of the fact that his home country England is the reigning world Twenty20 champion.
‘Cloud Atlas‘, Hugh Grant‘s new movie also stars Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in major roles. It has been directed by the renowned Wachowskis – Lana Wachowski and Andy Wachowski of The Matrix trilogy fame along with Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run).
Cloud Atlas is an epic tale of humankind in which the actions and consequences of everyone‘s lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future. The movie releases in India on October 26.
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.
