iWorld
Five must-watch movies & series to celebrate the festive season
Mumbai: It’s the season of twinkling lights, snug blankets, and the irresistible aroma of hot chocolate wafting through the air. As the festive spirit of Christmas wraps, what could be more delightful than cozying up with a steaming mug of cocoa and diving into a captivating selection of movies and shows on our beloved OTT platforms? So, let’s kickstart the holiday cheer with a unique flavor to make this festive season truly unforgettable.
Here is the list of five shows/movies to binge-watch this season:
1. Reacher Season 2 (Series):
Plunge into the world of action, drama, and thrill with Reacher Season 2, where the stakes are higher and vengeance looms on the horizon. It unfolds as members of Reacher’s former military unit mysteriously meet their demise. Gripped by a singular purpose, revenge, Reacher portrayed by Alan Ritchson, navigates a labyrinth of secrets, conspiracies, and danger. Premiered with three episodes from the latest season on Prime Video with weekly episode releases, the final episode will be streaming on 19 January.
2. A Storm for Christmas (Series):
Enter the gripping story of A Storm For Christmas, where destinies intertwined amidst extreme weather, trapping travelers and workers at an airport. Helmed by creator Per-Olav Sørensen, this captivating series unfolds as individuals from diverse backgrounds find themselves forced to spend the final hours leading up to Christmas together. Starring Ida Elise Broch, Dennis Storhøi, and Jan Gunnar Røise, the series is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Candy Cane Lane (Film):
Light up the season with this family-friendly holiday comedy exclusively on Prime Video! Directed by Reginald Hudlin, this festive film follows Eddie Murphy as he strikes a unique pact with an elf to ensure his triumph. Little does he anticipate that this mischievous elf’s spell would bring the classic ‘12 days of Christmas’ to life, transforming the town into a delightful hub of unexpected surprises and festive pandemonium.
4. Dashing Through the Snow (Film):
Embark on a heartwarming journey with Dashing Through the Snow, where the life of a separated social worker for the Atlanta police department takes an unexpected turn during Christmas. This touching story brims with the delight and enchantment of the season, set against a backdrop of unexpected connections and newfound understanding. Embracing the holiday spirit with this film, watch it now as it is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
5. Merry Little Batman (Film):
Take a festive leap into the animated realm with Merry Little Batman, a 2023 American superhero film directed by Mike Roth. Penned by Morgan Evans and Jase Ricci, with a storyline crafted by Evans and Roth, this cinematic delight is a DC Comics adaptation featuring the iconic characters Batman and his son Damian Wayne. Voiced by a stellar cast including Yonas Kibreab, Luke Wilson, James Cromwell, and David Hornsby, the film unfolds as Damian finds himself thrust into action against the Joker’s sinister plot to spoil Christmas in Gotham City. Released on 8 December 2023, exclusively on Prime Video.
As we bid adieu to the cozy days and festive nights of 2023, it’s evident that this year has gifted us a treasure of content across genres. From heartwarming tales like Candy Cane Lane to the gripping narratives of Reacher Season 2, the streaming services have truly been our holiday elves, delivering cinematic joy to our screens. Let’s raise a mug to a year filled with diverse stories, compelling characters, and the boundless magic of the silver screen.
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.
