iWorld
Pocket FM’s Rohan Nayak to deliver keynote at Web Summit, Lisbon 2024
Mumbai: Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak will deliver a keynote at the Web Summit in Lisbon, making him the only Indian leader from the entertainment sector and the sole Indian keynote speaker at the event. His session, titled ‘Profit Play: New Rules of Entertainment,’ will detail Pocket FM’s journey in creating and scaling a new category in entertainment with its innovative Audio Series format.
Founded in 2018, Pocket FM has grown rapidly since 2021, producing over 35,000 audio series and reaching an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $200 million. Rohan will share how the company identified untapped market opportunities through 10 strategic pivots and discuss its approach to building and monetising a new entertainment category. His keynote will provide exclusive insights into the strategies that have helped Pocket FM become a major player in audio entertainment, highlighting the importance of innovation in shaping the future of digital storytelling.
This milestone for India’s entertainment and tech industry emphasizes the global demand for high-quality, digital content. Web Summit, one of the largest global tech conferences, will be held from 11–14 November 2024, at MEO Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. The event will feature over 800 speakers, including leaders like Jessica Sibley (CEO, Time), Mark Read (CEO, WPP), Josh Silverman (CEO, Etsy), Kuo Zhang (President, Alibaba.com), Richard Teng (CEO, Binance), and Pharrell Williams (13-time Grammy Award winner).
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.
