iWorld
HOOQ raises US$ 25 million from Sony Pictures, others; open to outside investors
MUMBAI: Southeast Asian streaming platform HOOQ, a Netflix challenger, has raised US$25 million (Rs 1.7 billion) in capital from existing investors — Sony Pictures, Singtel and Warner Brothers, it was announced through a stock exchange filing from Singtel.
HOOQ went live in Indonesia, Philippines, India and Thailand in 2015. Recently launching in India, Amazon Prime Video is now an international challenger.
HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos said that the company was preparing to welcome outside investors.
The filing stated that Singtel had invested an additional US$ 15.5 million with the other investors contributing the remainder. It was also disclosed that HOOQ had earlier raised US$ 70 million, taking the total recent investment to US$ 95 million.
HOOQ was founded two years ago by the trio with Singtel having a majority holding. Following the deal, the companies retained the same shareholding with Singtel owning 65 per cent; Warner and Sony each taking 17.5 per cent.
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.
