International
Zucker to retire as Sony Pictures Releasing International prez
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Releasing International president Mark Zucker is retiring and the company has promoted Steven O‘Dell to fill that role.
The announcement was made by Sony Pictures Entertainment president, Worldwide Distribution Rory Bruer.
Zucker was with Sony Pictures since last 27 years. He has worked closely with Bruer and Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution chairman Jeff Blake, to build an international distribution team.
O‘Dell, who joined Sony Pictures in 2005 as a VP, was promoted to senior vice president in 2009. In his most recent role, he oversaw Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and Scandinavia.
Bruer said, “Mark is one of the most highly regarded, well-respected, and well-liked executives in our company and industry. We are sorry to see him go, but we are happy for him – he‘s worked hard for this moment. We all dream of retiring when we‘re on top, but Mark has been on top for many years – we are thrilled to see him enjoy this next chapter. We also are thrilled to have Steven as our new International President. Steven is innovative, collaborative, and a strong leader. His promotion is well-earned and he is ready to step into this important role.”
Among the many hits in his career, Zucker orchestrated the international releases of the Spider-Man franchise, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, as well as the two most recent James Bond films, which were the highest-grossing films in franchise history.
In recent years, Zucker has also overseen the distribution of international hits like The Smurfs, 2012, Hancock, and upcoming releases like The Adventures of TinTin.
Under Zucker‘s leadership, Sony Pictures has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office in 11 of the past 12 years, including 2011. Since Zucker took over the reins of international distribution in 2001, SPRI has delivered 36 $100 million-plus releases and over $14 billion in box office.
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.
