International
Watch these five Denis Villeneuve films ahead of ‘Dune: Part Two’ release
Mumbai: Denis Villeneuve is a filmmaker whose name commands respect in the world of modern cinema. Known for his distinct visual style, masterful storytelling, and knack for creating immersive cinematic extravaganzas, Villeneuve has intrigued audiences with his diverse range of films. With anticipation building for ‘Dune: Part Two,’ starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, among others and scheduled to release on 1 March 2024, at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas, let’s take a deep dive into his filmography and explore five essential movies that showcase his talent and vision. Dune fans can also explore the second part of their favourite franchise on IMAX for an immersive experience.
Enemy (2013)
Denis Villeneuve’s Enemy is a cinematic puzzle that will leave you scratching your head in the best possible way. Set in a dreary, dystopian Toronto, the film follows the story of a meek college professor who discovers he has a doppelgänger, setting off a series of increasingly surreal events. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a mesmerizing dual performance, and Villeneuve’s masterful direction keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the film’s enigmatic mysteries. With its haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, Enemy is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates cerebral cinema.
Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is not your typical kidnapping thriller. Set in a small Pennsylvania town, the film follows the frantic search for two young girls who mysteriously vanish on Thanksgiving Day. Hugh Jackman delivers a powerhouse performance as a desperate father pushed to the brink, while Jake Gyllenhaal shines once again as the determined detective leading the investigation. What sets Prisoners apart is its exploration of morality, justice, and the lengths we’re willing to go to protect our loved ones. Villeneuve expertly weaves together suspenseful twists and turns with profound emotional depth, making Prisoners a riveting and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Sicario (2015)
Set against the backdrop of the escalating drug war along the US-Mexico border, Sicario follows FBI agent Kate Macer as she is recruited to join a covert task force targeting a powerful drug cartel. Emily Blunt delivers a compelling performance as the morally conflicted protagonist, while Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro shine as the enigmatic government operatives leading the charge. With its gritty realism and intense cinematography, Sicario is a visceral thrill ride that will leave you breathless.
Arrival (2016)
Arrival is not your typical alien invasion movie. Based on Ted Chiang’s short story “Story of Your Life,” the film explores complex themes of language, time, and the nature of human consciousness. Amy Adams delivers a career-best performance as linguist Louise Banks, who is recruited by the military to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors whose ships have descended upon Earth. Denis Villeneuve’s direction is nothing short of masterful, imbuing the film with a sense of wonder and awe that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. With its mind-bending twists and emotional resonance, Arrival is a transcendent cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner 2049 is a visual masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Set thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott’s original Blade Runner, the film follows K, a replicant “blade runner” tasked with hunting down rogue androids. Ryan Gosling delivers a nuanced performance as the brooding protagonist, while Harrison Ford reprises his iconic role as Rick Deckard. Denis Villeneuve’s direction is nothing short of breathtaking, as he brings to life a dystopian world that is both hauntingly familiar and eerily surreal. With its jaw-dropping visuals and thought-provoking themes, Blade Runner 2049 is a cinematic experience unlike any other.
And here’s the film that inspired this list:
Dune: Part Two (2024)
The sequel to Dune (2021), Dune: Part Two, is the second installment of a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel “Dune” by Frank Herbert. It follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen. Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem reprise their roles from the first film, with Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux joining the ensemble cast.
If you’re mesmerized by the worlds created by Denis Villeneuve through his movies, make sure to watch ‘Dune: Part Two’ this Friday at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas.
International
Moskino and Bollywood: Moscow Film Cluster and Film City Mumbai signed a cooperation agreement
Moscow Film Cluster has signed a cooperation agreement with Film City Mumbai. The parties agreed to cooperate in developing the film industry, promoting shooting locations and supporting filmmakers.
The memorandum was signed on the sidelines of the India International Film Tourism (IIFTC) Conclave in Mumbai. At this forum, the Moscow Film Cluster presented Moscow’s opportunities for film shooting, including infrastructure projects such as Film City Moskino and Film Factory. Special attention was paid to the Moscow rebate system – up to 45% – and the co-production development.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Film City and Moscow Film Cluster provides for the establishment and development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the film industry development, including joint promotion of shooting locations, support for filmmakers, implementation of marketing and industry events, development of incentive support measures and strengthening of economic and cultural interaction between India and Moscow.
The parties also intend to promote the development of the audiovisual sector through the exchange of experience, joint initiatives and the search for opportunities to create new industry partnerships and clusters.
Moscow Film Cluster is a major city initiative led by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to develop the capital into a global cinema hub. It brings together key production infrastructure – such as the Moskino Film Сity, Film Factory and Gorky Film Studio – along with the Film Commission, digital platform and cinema chain to streamline shooting, support productions and attract international filmmaking to Moscow.
Also, Moscow offers a rebate of up to 45%: 30% as direct production cost compensation, up to 15% for visa and accommodation support. The Moscow Image Grant provides up to $255,000 for films showcasing iconic city views.
The Moscow Film Cluster booth attracted considerable attention from Indian producers and studios. Over 80 business meetings were held, including those with major Indian companies.
One of the booth guests was the famous Indian actress Khushboo Sundar, known to Soviet and Russian audiences for her role in My Soul and considered the leading star of Tamil cinema, in whose honor one of the local temples was even built. Prithul Kumar, representative of the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and one of the officials responsible for regulating the film industry in the country, also expressed interest in the development of the Moscow Film Cluster.
One of the highlights of the India International Film Tourism Conclave was the awarding of The Greatest of All Time in the For Cinematic Excellence category. The movie was shot in Moscow. The jury members noted the project’s contribution to the development of tourism.
The shooting of The Greatest of All Time AGS by Entertainment was organized with the assistance of the Moscow Film Cluster and the Moscow Film Commission and took place in April 2024 on the streets of Moscow. The scenes were shot in such famous locations as Patriarch Bridge, Teatralnaya Square, Manezhnaya Square, Kazarmenny Lane, Podsosensky Lane, Nikolskaya Street and one of the festival venues of Moscow Seasons.
The Greatest of All Time became a landmark event in Indian box office history. It ranked fourth in box office earnings among all movies released in India in 2024 and is one of the most successful Tamil-language movies in history.
At the same time, the shooting of another joint Russian-Indian movie started at the Moskino Film City in Moscow. A film project dedicated to badminton became one of the first participants in the Moscow rebate program.
A project by Smena & WISH Media (Russia) and Kartina Entertainment And Sports Private Limited (India) will tell the story of a badminton player who travels to India with the Russian national team to compete in a tournament. Russian viewers will see for the first time the scale of sporting competitions in Asia, where badminton is a cult sport and draws packed stands of fans.
The agreement on the joint production of the Smash movie was signed st the Moscow International Film Week in August 2025. And as Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said, a rebate application was also submitted at that time to reimburse part of the costs incurred during the shooting process in the Russian capital.
