iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar leverages the metaverse to promote new show ‘Rudra’
Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar has partnered with Hungama Digital’s Web 3.0 venture Hefty Entertainment to create digital avatars of the cast of its new show “Rudra – The Edge of Darkness.” The platform has created many firsts with this disruptive marketing strategy and innovation leveraging the metaverse.
The marketing team has installed a hologram of Ajay Devgn with an illusion of him looking at passersby in Mumbai’s Bandra Bandstand. Additionally, in partnership with Smaash the platform created a gaming and entertainment centre with the theme ‘todphod’ playing the iconic catchphrase used by the actor in the show. The gaming room was designed similar to the show’s set.
“A big part of building a deeper relationship with our consumers is to bring elements from reel life to real life and vice-versa,” said Disney+ Hotstar EVP and chief marketing officer Siddharth Shakdher. “With ‘Rudra-The Edge of Darkness,’ we did exactly that and deployed a unique experiential and immersive show marketing approach, bringing our consumers one step closer to the show, but importantly, also surfacing the show within emerging pop culture trends. With first-of-its-kind initiatives like Rudra Metaverse, gaming room, and hologram displays, we stepped up a notch higher to connect deeper with the audiences and fans.”
Directed by Rajesh Mapuskar, “Rudra – The Edge of Darkness” features actor Ajay Devgn in the role of a cop who delves into the psyche of highly intelligent criminal masterminds to capture them.
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.
