iWorld
ALTBalaji direct subscriptions up 35% QoQ; 1.8m subs sold in Q1 FY22
Mumbai: Balaji Telefilms has announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2021. The company’s direct-to-consumer business, ALTBalaji sold a total of 1.8m subscriptions in Q1 FY22 as against 0.9m in Q1FY21, up 35 per cent. Direct subscription revenues stood at Rs 17 cr vs Rs 13 cr.
The OTT platform has a current active subscriber base of 2.4m, excluding subscribers on partner apps. Quarterly revenue stood at Rs 21cr.
Having added six shows last quarter, ALTBalaji has taken the overall library to 86 shows. The Company said it continues its strategy to drive deeper audience engagement by creating content that is targeted at mass India seeking differentiated stories, while remaining focussed on the younger audiences.
Balaji Telefilms’ TV business has continued at normal levels as daily show production was ensured with pandemic restrictions. During the quarter the Company produced 174.5 hours of content across six shows for four broadcasters.
Balaji Telefilms, managing director, Shobha Kapoor said, “ALTBalaji continues to drive subscription growth and we added 1.8m subscriptions during the quarter. Our strategic content sharing deals will ensure we maintain control on the cash spend while driving overall profitability. TV business has shown good recovery in terms of production hours and we hope to improve this momentum as five new shows commence. In the movie business, production for some of the exciting projects are at various stages of completion and we are closely monitoring the availability for theatrical releases as well as direct-to-digital launches. Overall, the year has started well and we will build on this momentum through the 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.
