iWorld
Roadies co-creator Rajiv Lakshman takes charge at Infinitum as IP chief
MUMBAI: Rajiv Lakshman, one of the masterminds behind iconic reality TV juggernauts MTV Roadies and Splitsvilla, has joined Infinitum Network as group head of intellectual properties, bringing his 25-year creative arsenal to the rapidly expanding multi-channel network.
“I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Infinitum Networks,” announced Lakshman on his social media. The content veteran, who has spent over two decades crafting genre-defining shows across adventure, romance, culinary and startup territories, is set to inject his creative firepower into one of India’s fastest-growing digital content stables.
Already a heavyweight in the digital arena, Infinitum boasts a staggering global footprint that would make even tech giants blush:
• 200+ influencers with a combined following of 24 million+
• 400+ shows across 10+ platforms
• Content in 100+ languages reaching 160+ countries
• A whopping 4 billion+ followers across platforms
• 60 million+ subscribers across 400+ YouTube channels
The MCN has made content for platforms such as aha, Star, Disney Hotstar (JioHotstar), Zee5, Asian Cinemas, Moj, Geetha Arts, facebook, ShareChat and YouTube.
The network’s talent pool reads like a who’s who of digital fame, featuring influencer powerhouses such as Srishti Shukla (6 million followers), Deepthi Sunaina (4.2 million), and Shanmukh Jaswanth (2.7 million). Its YouTube portfolio includes NBK Originals with a jaw-dropping 10 million subscribers.
Looking beyond traditional MCN boundaries, Lakshman’s vision for Infinitum includes creating cross-platform franchises that can travel globally while nurturing emerging talent from tier two and tier 3 cities.
“What excites me most about Infinitum is their hybrid approach,” Lakshman explained, highlighting the network’s impressive track record of producing 275+ web series and educational content across multiple languages.
His bullish strategy aims to establish Infinitum as the launchpad for creators transitioning from social to mainstream media while developing sustainable economic models that fairly reward talent – a refreshing approach in an industry often criticised for exploiting creative minds.
As traditional media continues its digital metamorphosis, Lakshman’s move signals a seismic shift in how content powerhouses are positioning themselves in the creator economy’s gold rush.
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.
