iWorld
Tamil Nadu minister says film releases should come back to theatres
MUMBAI: Will blockbuster film releases make a comeback to the cinema halls away from OTT platform premieres?
The jury is out. First the government has to allow theatres and multiplexes to pull down the padlocks they have put on them. Of course the multiplex association, Ficci and CII have all been making a push with the government on how the opening up can happen.
Now another push has come from Tamil Nadu, which has seen some films coming out on OTT platforms first, skipping theatre releases. Tamil Nadu’s state minister of information and publicity Kadambur Raju today stated that the their unfettered release would end up as a revenue loss for the state government.
Speaking at a local function in Tuticorin in southern Tamil Nadu he said it was okay that films such as Ponmagal Vandhal were released on OTT platforms during the lockdown phase but now that Unlock 1.0 has started, the government is not in favour of filmmakers taking such a route. He had a simple reason for this: the government is losing GST as well as entertainment tax in Tamil Nadu.
Hence, he has urged the various stakeholders – producers, distributors and exhibitors – to come together to find solutions to reverse this trend, according to a report in The Hans India.
Meanwhile, the union minister of information and broadcaster Prakash Javadekar had last week told a delegation of film producers and distributors via video-conference that he would look into the opening up of cinema halls by end June. He also told them he would inform the various ministries to provide succor as far salary subsidies, interest free loans for three years, exemption on taxes and duties, waiver of minimum demand charges on electricity and power at industrial rates.
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.
