iWorld
Tele-connectivity: Nepal’s dependence on India to end in Feb
MUMBAI: The sole dependence of Nepal on India to connect with global telecom services will end soon. The commercial operation of Nepal-China optical fibre link is set to begin in February. The Nepal-China trans-border connectivity project via Rasuwagadi (Nepal) is in the final stage of completion, as per Nepal Telecom (NT) officials.
Following the commercial operation of new optical fibre network, Nepal will be connected to the world via Hong Kong through China Telecom. Nepal, at present, is only linked to other countries through Indian telecommunication companies via different optical fibre connections at Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Birgunj, etc., The Himalayan Times reported.
In December 2016, Nepal Telecom and China Telecom had signed a pact to deliver internet protocol (IP) service in Nepal with terrestrial cable route (TCR) connecting the two nations. From February, internet service would become cheaper and more qualitative in Nepal.
NT deputy spokesperson Shovan Adhikari said that the process of laying optical fibre along the determined route had been completed. However, recent heavy snowfall on the Chinese side caused some of the fibres to break in certain areas, which resulted in delay in launching the project.
However, Adhikari said that the commercial operation of the cross-border optical fibre network was likely to begin from February as the Chinese authorities expedited the process of repairing the damaged lines after clearing the snow.
Before starting commercial operations, NT is expected to launch a confirmation testing of the project. The company had tested the operation of the optical fibre network interconnectivity with the neighbour last year.
iWorld
Prime Video and Hrithik Roshan reunite for quirky heist comedy Mess
HRX Films expands pact with quirky heist comedy set for production
MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on its partnership with Hrithik Roshan, announcing a new comedy film Mess that promises chaos, chuckles and a clever twist on the classic heist.
Produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions, the film is being made in association with Soda Films Lab. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, Mess marks the second collaboration between the streaming platform and HRX Films after the upcoming thriller Storm.
At the heart of Mess lies an unusual premise. A group of robbers break into the home of a man with OCD, only to find themselves outmatched in a night-long standoff that flips the script on who is really in control. It is a set-up that blends tension with humour, turning a break-in into a breakdown of expectations.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok said, “A good story should surprise and entertain, and Mess does both with ease. It brings together a unique premise, memorable characters and a tone that keeps you laughing throughout.”
He added that the collaboration with HRX Films continues to grow stronger, with the new film reflecting a shared appetite for bold and original storytelling.
Hrithik Roshan said, “After Storm, Mess feels like a natural next step in our journey with Prime Video. The film captures the kind of unconventional storytelling we want to champion, with Rajesh bringing a distinctive voice to the narrative.”
Director Rajesh A Krishnan said, “The world of Mess is a mix of comedy and chaos, unusual enough to keep audiences on edge while still delivering humour. It has been a deeply collaborative and creatively fulfilling experience.”
The original screenplay comes from Paul Soter, with adaptation and dialogues by Kapil Sawant, adding another layer of craft to the film’s offbeat narrative.
As production gears up, Mess looks ready to live up to its name, serving up a delightful tangle of mayhem, mischief and movie magic for audiences in India and beyond.
