iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar announces three Indian shows for Disney fan event-D23 Expo
Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar today announced three Indian titles at the global Disney fan event D23 Expo. The new lineup includes the talk show Koffee with Karan (Season 8), along with Showtime and Mahabharata. On September 9-11, D23 Expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Centre in Anaheim, California.
This announcement further strengthens the platform’s collaboration with ace Bollywood producer, director, actor, and host Karan Johar (Koffee with Karan and Showtime), and mints a new association with maverick producer Madhu Mantena, Mythoversestudios, and Allu Entertainment (Mahabharata).
Koffee with Karan (Season 8) is produced by Karan Johar, Apporva Mehta and Aneesha Baig, Dharmatic Entertainment Production and Showtime is produced by Karan Johar, Apporva Mehta and Somen Mishra, A Dharmatic Entertainment Production.
Disney Star head – content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network Gaurav Banerjee joined a panel on international content along with The Walt Disney Company chairman-international content and operations Rebecca Campbell, LATAM SVP, media distribution & production Fernando Barbosa, APAC head of content & development Jessica Kam-Engle, and EMEA director of scripted content Lee Mason. The discussion focused on eclectic global content trends, particularly highlighting Disney+ Hotstar’s role in shaping content in India and beyond.
Sharing his views on the upcoming Indian lineup, Banerjee said, “Over the last several years, India has emerged as a content powerhouse, pushing the envelope with stories that transcend language and cultural boundaries. For a nation at the centre of the OTT revolution, Disney+ Hotstar’s pioneering stories have been dominating viewers’ preferred content library. We couldn’t have asked for a more profound curtain raiser on our upcoming lineup at a globally coveted platform such as D23 Expo 2022, where we have an opportunity to share a glimpse of soon to be launched shows Showtime, Mahabharata, and Koffee with Karan Season 8.”
Producer, director, and host Karan Johar added, “I am excited to associate with Disney+ Hotstar for our new collaboration, announced at the prestigious D23 Expo. In addition to yet another exciting season of my beloved show, Koffee With Karan (Season 8), I am happy to announce an all-new Dharma Production series, Showtime, which will lift the curtain on India’s entertainment industry’s biggest trade secrets.”
Producer Madhu Mantena said, “For centuries, Indian epics have captured the imagination of billions around the world. These epics are deeply woven into the very fabric of our nation. The Mahabharata is one of the oldest epics in India and, despite being as old as time, is still relevant today for the many lessons and words of wisdom hidden within its ancient verses. It is said that every known emotional conflict experienced by mankind finds form in the Mahabharata through its complex characters and storylines. We at Mythoverse are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity provided by Disney+ Hotstar to bring out a rendition of this great Indian epic, Mahabharata, and to announce this news on a prestigious global platform at the D23 Expo.”
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.
