iWorld
Maverick Records CEO Guy Oseary joins Saavn as investor and partner
NEW DELHI: Legendary record executive, investor, talent manager, and CEO of Maverick Records Guy Oseary is joining entertainment streaming service Saavn as a partner and investor.
Oseary’s career in the entertainment industry spans decades of achievement. At Maverick Records, he led the label to sales of over 100 million records, worldwide. His Maverick Films oversaw the Twilight movie series for a combined gross of more than $2 billion in global sales.
In addition to working with Madonna for over 25 years, Oseary works alongside some of the best managers in the music business, representing some of the world’s greatest artists, including U2, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj, Jason Aldean, Fifth Harmony, G-Eazy, and the Weeknd.
As an investor and partner in Saavn, Oseary will help the company continue to build a robust platform for streaming entertainment in India. With a foundation of more than 20 million music tracks, streaming to 196 countries in 13 languages, Saavn claimed its uniquely localized approach has established a new, effective model for international streaming entertainment.
Oseary said: “I have been a big supporter and investor in music streaming for years. Saavn is the leading music service in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. Many artists would love for their music to reach India’s over one billion residents. From the time I’ve been in the music business, that process has always been too complicated; now, through Saavn, it is finally possible to have a true local partner in India that gets it, and will work hand-in-hand with artists and their managers. I’m very impressed by Rishi’s vision and his exciting plans for Saavn moving forward.”
Saavn’s disruptive business model, built around a native mobile advertising platform, fast-growing subscription base, and partnerships with leading mobile carriers, demonstrates a sustainable way forward for the streaming industry, while its original programming initiative is introducing Indian audiences to new modes of premium audio content never before heard in the country. In a region that has traditionally seen music and film consumed simultaneously, Saavn is into OTT distribution of new music and original programming for the millennial generation.
Saavn CEO and Co-founder Rishi Malhotra said: “As we continue to evolve Saavn into the first stop for streaming entertainment in India, we focus on marrying the best content with the best mobile products. Our global perspective and local approach has enabled us to create a powerful streaming economy in India. Guy and I are developing unique artist collaborations for Saavn and we’re honoured to have him as a partner and investor. Guy has incredible instincts across entertainment and media. He understands that we are not building the Spotify or Pandora of India. We are building Saavn in India, for India, and we’re thrilled to work with him to build the company for the long term.”
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.
