iWorld
OTTplay Changemakers Awards 2024 to honour trailblazers of south Indian cinema
Mumbai: OTTplay, an OTT App and AI-based recommendation engine platform is set to unveil the second edition of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards on 26 October 2024, at the prestigious Taj Coromandel in Chennai. The highly anticipated event will shine the spotlight on the South Indian entertainment industry, honouring the individuals and creative minds who have driven innovation and transformation across OTT platforms and cinema.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, which celebrated disruptors from across the Indian film industries, the 2024 awards will focus exclusively on the thriving Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema industries. As south Indian films continue to break barriers with groundbreaking storytelling and commercial success, this year’s event will bring together visionaries from these vibrant industries.
The awards ceremony will felicitate winners in about 35 categories, with special emphasis on the awards for disruptive star, most versatile performer and inspiring actor, across the four south industries, along with celebrating the pioneers of the industry. These categories, for both male and female talents, will highlight the creativity, versatility and social impact made by those who have left a lasting impression in both OTT and traditional cinema.
OTTplay co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “The OTTplay Changemakers Awards is not just about recognizing talent; it’s about celebrating the power of storytelling to bring about real change. This year, with our exclusive focus on South Indian cinema, we’re honouring individuals who have pushed creative boundaries and inspired audiences globally. We are proud to continue the legacy started last year, now showcasing the incredible contributions of South Indian storytellers.”
In addition to individual recognitions, the awards will spotlight two categories: ‘voice of change’ and ‘cinema for change’, which will honour contributions toward social causes such as supporting animal welfare and highlight the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.
Just like last year, the credibility and transparency of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards are maintained through an editorially driven process led by OTTplay and Hindu Tamil Thisai, ensuring that each winner is thoughtfully selected and deserving of the recognition they receive.
The event is supported by prestigious partners, including the Vedanta Anil Agarwal Foundation as the presenting sponsor and Hindu Tamil Thisai as a media partner. The excitement of the awards will reach a broader audience as the event will be streamed on Zee5, the official streaming partner, with Fever FM as the radio partner.
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.
