iWorld
UP Warriorz and Navya Naveli Nanda unite to combat online trolling in women’s cricket
Mumbai: In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at addressing the negativity faced by women athletes on social media, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket team, UP Warriorz, has partnered with women’s rights advocate Navya Naveli Nanda, to unveil #TrashTalkCleanUp. Created in collaboration with Interactive Avenues, UP Warriorz’s digital creative agency, the campaign features an inspiring 2-part video podcast and series of Instagram reels.
The aim of ‘Trash Talk Clean Up’ is to bin the negativity of social media and create safe spaces on the internet for UP Warriorz’ players as well as female athletes at large. A recent study by Plan International found that social media abuse targets female athletes three times more than men. A study published by World Athletics also states that out of all the hate circulating about the Olympics, 87 per cent of it was targeted towards women.
The problem is no less rampant for India’s women athletes. Former cricketer Mithila Raj, two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu, hockey player Vandana Kataria and even the Indian women’s cricket team have faced trolling repeatedly and voiced their opposition on social media. Against this backdrop, UP Warriorz is acting for change and turning online spaces of harassment and abuse into places of support for these achievers.
The first edition of Trash Talk Cleanup Podcast showcases candid, heartwarming conversations between Navya and UP Warriorz cricketers Vrinda Dinesh, Gouher Sultana, and Poonam Khemnar. Strategically launched around the Women’s Premier League, the initiative addresses the issue of online trolling faced by women cricketers and encourages individuals to respond to trolls with special dustbin gifs, symbolizing the disposal of negative comments. While there’s a long way to go, the social media team of UP Warriorz has already activated these GIFs and dustbin emojis through comments and reactive social listening, resulting in a visible reduction in trolling from the start of the season on 24 February till date.
Expressing her thoughts on the collaboration, Capri Sports director Jinisha Sharma said, “This Women’s Day, we champion every sportswoman across the nation to rise above the noise, to focus on their true passion and excellence on the field.”
Interactive Avenues senior creative director Eshwari Pandit added, “Women often bear the brunt of cyberbullying, ranging from comments on their appearance to criticism of their professional choices. This online negativity not only impacts the mental well-being of players, but also tarnishes the spirit of the game. Through #TrashTalkCleanUp, we aspire to shed light on this critical issue and advocate for respect and positivity towards women athletes.”
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.
