iWorld
Airtel gives caller ID a glow up with Business Name Display launch
MUMBAI: Is it your bank or just another spam bot? Airtel Business wants to take the guesswork out of answering calls, one display name at a time. The telecom giant has launched Business Name Display (BND), a first-of-its-kind service in India that lets businesses flash their verified brand name on your phone screen during outgoing calls. In a world where unknown numbers trigger suspicion and “Potential Spam” labels trigger instant rejection, this nifty new feature is all about making customer conversations a little less cat-and-mouse.
The move builds on Airtel’s earlier anti-spam crusade, which helped users dodge pesky telemarketers but had the unfortunate side-effect of flagging legit calls from banks, food delivery riders, hospitals, and couriers as possible spam. So while users became savvier, brands got ghosted. BND aims to change that reinstating trust, one branded ring at a time.
Airtel Business director & CEO Sharat Sinha said, “At Airtel, we are constantly innovating to create a communication experience that is smarter, safer and more transparent for everyone. With “Business Name Display”, we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure and seamless for both sides.”
Airtel piloted the feature with over 250 companies across banking, retail, mobility, and delivery services. In just one month, these businesses used 1.5 million plus numbers to make 12.8 million calls, reporting a spike in engagement and answer rates. Because apparently, when people know it’s their pizza or parcel calling they tend to pick up.
The service is easily activated via Airtel Business’s portal, where companies can register and configure their details. No more hiding behind random digits, just clear, verified identity with every ring.
In a world of dodgy dials, Airtel’s Business Name Display could be the caller ID glow-up we didn’t know we needed.
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.
