iWorld
Idea, Vodafone neck-and-neck with Airtel, Jio in 4G tussle
Idea and Vodafone have spent astronomical sums in spectrum auctions to acquire 2500 MHz airwaves so as to give a tough fight to Airtel and Jio which already have pan-India 4G holdings. Two of three telecom majors in India are betting on lower price of 2500 MHz. Idea Cellular and Vodafone India seem to have bet on 4G airwaves in that band.
Global telecom expert Sanjay Kapoor however says, India would need further towers for 4G and investments. The former chairman of Micromax said that the telecom industry was moving towards consolidation.
In the recent spectrum auction, nearly 60 per cent of airwaves, including premium 4G bands, remained unsold. Meanwhile, Airtel, Vodafone and Idea secured adequate 4G spectrum during the recently-concluded auction to counter Jio, making them more competitive, FE reported.
Airtel acquired 173.8 MHz spectrum in bands of 1800MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 Mhz for Rs 14,244 crore in circles including Kerala, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Mumbai and the North-East. Idea acquired 349.20 MHz of spectrum for Rs 12,798 crore in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands and will be able to offer 4G services on its own spectrum across 20 circles, including nine new service areas of Uttar Pradesh (West), UP (East), Gujarat and Mumbai.
Vodafone India, which has emerged as the most aggressive bidder, has acquired spectrum in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz bands for a total cost of Rs 20,280 crore. It has 17 circles with 4G capability.
Experts said Vodafone and Idea have taken the plunge amid a rapidly-evolving devices ecosystem in 2500 MHz band in China besides the lower price of these airwaves, ET stated.
Idea’s management recently guided for a rollout on this 4G band over the next two to five years as the ecosystem matures. Brokerages expect the 2500 MHz band devices ecosystem to evolve quickly in India thanks to Vodafone and Idea investing in them. Nearly, half the Rs 20,280 crore that second-largest carrier Vodafone spent at the auction went to 4G airwaves in the 2500 MHz band in 15 circles, while No. 3 Idea spent Rs 2,520.8 crore on the same in 16 circles.
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.
