iWorld
Amazon all set to lock a $9bn deal with MGM Studios, report says
KOLKATA: E-commerce giant Amazon is all set to close the MGM Studios acquisition deal for $9 billion according to a Wall Street Journal report, which says the deal could be announced as early as this week, provided there isn’t any last-minute glitch.
The studio of Gone with the Wind and Rocky could turn out to be a great asset for the tech giant as it is substantially focusing on building up its entertainment footprint globally. Notably, MGM offers the famous Bond franchise but without owning it. It is also known for classics like Singin’ in the Rain, The Pink Panther.
According to the report, the talks between the two parties started at the beginning of the year and have been on-off since then. But it gathered pace over the last few weeks. The board of the Hollywood studio was also informed on the matter on Sunday, the report added.
If the deal finally comes to fruition, it would be Amazon’s second-biggest acquisition ever, after the $13.7B deal for Whole Foods Market.
The e-commerce giant is putting in billions of dollars to boost its content library for prime video. It has also committed a huge budget for the production of a TV series based on Lord of the Rings. Then, it is also expanding its live sports portfolio across its key markets. Ultimately, the competition is with the likes of Netflix and Disney of the world.
MGM has been looking for prospective buyers for a long time now. While it wanted to cut a deal at $9 billion, prospective buyers in the past did find it over expensive. The market valued the studio around $5 billion. Even Apple, Comcast reportedly spoke to MGM but could not reach any agreement. This time it is amazon that never minds paying some extra to dodge off the competition.
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.
