iWorld
Pocket FM raises the audio ‘Baahu-volume’ with new 250-episode epic
MUMBAI: If you thought the Baahubali universe had revealed all its secrets, Pocket FM is here to turn the volume back up. The audio entertainment platform has teamed up with Arka Mediaworks, the creative home of S.S. Rajamouli’s cinematic phenomenon, to bring an all-new original Baahubali story alive this time through sound, imagination and a mammoth 250-episode audio saga.
Announced on the 10th anniversary of the blockbuster franchise, the series marks the first time Maahishmathi will be rebuilt entirely for the ears. Set within the same sweeping universe but following a brand-new narrative arc, the epic will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, offering loyal fans and first-time listeners a fresh gateway into India’s most iconic fantasy world.
Pocket FM promises a production that mirrors cinematic scale complete with atmospheric music, painstaking sound design and richly textured performances. The idea is not just to hear Baahubali’s world, but feel its armour clashes, palace intrigue, distant war drums and emotional heft.
“Baahubali is a cultural milestone, and bringing that universe into audio is both a privilege and a creative challenge,” said Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak. He added that the platform’s belief that “imagination is the most powerful screen” shapes this collaboration, designed to give listeners a visceral connection to Maahishmathi.
For Arka Mediaworks, the project extends a world they’ve been nurturing for a decade. “Growing the Baahubali universe has always been intentional,” noted Arka Mediaworks co-founder Shobu Yarlagadda. “The audio series comes from the same place as the films rooted, engaging storytelling. I hope listeners enjoy this new chapter.”
The partnership also marks a strategic leap in Pocket FM’s IP-led expansion. After successes like Shaktimaan Returns, the platform is now positioning itself as the home for India’s biggest fantasy franchises reimagined for audio-first storytelling.
With this collaboration, Baahubali doesn’t just retur, it evolves, setting the tone for how India’s most loved legends can be retold, rediscovered and re-experienced in entirely new ways. The kingdom of Maahishmathi may no longer be on screen, but in the theatre of the mind, it’s about to roar again.
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.
