iWorld
Netflix ropes in STXinternational’s David Kosse to lead new international film division
MUMBAI: After two high profile exits in the last few days, Netflix has reportedly roped STXinternational’s David Kosse to lead its new international film division. Kosse will be focusing particularly on significant non-English-language films along with overseeing all international production and acquisition for the streaming giant in his role as international film VP.
According to reports, Kosse will report to Universal alum Scott Stuber. “We want to make significant movies which will have a big impact in major markets such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain but which can also travel to our subscribers around the world. Movies such as Roma and Intouchables. The focus right now for this division is to establish the foreign language movies in the same way Netflix has established series that have travelled,” Kosse commented as quoted by Deadline.
Teresa Moneo, director of international film and Funa Maduka, director of international film and acquisitions will join Kosse in the Netflix London office. As he has spent his career launching and building international film divisions, the move is expected to boost the company’s international film presence.
Last week, Netflix CMO Kelly Bennet announced his exit from the company after a stint of seven years. Bennet led Netflix’s marketing efforts at a time when its subscriber base grew exponentially. He also played a very important role in the marketing of original content of the platform. Erik Barmack, Netflix’s current vice-president for international originals, is also leaving the company after an eight-year stint.
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.
