iWorld
Viacom18 to launch VOOT VOD service in April; firms up content pipeline
MUMBAI: The latest addition to the growing digital family in India, Viacom18’s new digital video-on-demand (VOD) platform – VOOT is all set to launch its service in the first week of April armed with a slew of shows from various content houses.
According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, among the few production companies that Viacom18 has roped in to produce original content for VOOT are Endemol Shine India, Saurabh Tiwari Films, Colosceum Media, Frames Production Company, Sunshine Production, Shakutantalam Telefilms and Bodhi Tree.
Unlike Netflix’s subscription based revenue model, VOOT will follow the advertising based VOD model, wherein content will be offered free for subscribers.
When asked to comment on VOOT’s decision to go for the ad based VOD model, a senior media planner on condition of anonymity says, “It’s very early to predict anything. Getting an advertising pipeline takes time. Initially they will be making money out of advertising and it will be limited to certain brands, which they already have in their portfolio and slowly they will be able to expand in the market.”
Speaking on their show for VOOT, Frames Production co-founder Ranjeet Thakur says, “Yes, Frames is producing show for VOOT called Soadies. It’s a shows based on how Roadies has influenced families and their behaviour.”
Soadeis will be an eight-episodic story of 20-25 minutes duration.
According to information available, the per episode production cost of Soadies is said to be between Rs 5-6 lakh.
Sudhir Sharma’s Sunshine Production is also in the process of producing two shows for VOOT. Though production is in its early stages, the production house has begun casting for one of the shows, which will comprise four episodes.
Additionally, Colosceum Media will be producing a dating reality show for the VOOT platform.
VOOT’s launch comes at a time when Netflix has already made a big bang entry into India, following the likes of Star India’s Hotstar, Sony Pictures Networks India’s Sony Liv, Zee Enterprises’ dittoTV, Eros International’s ErosNow and HOOQ amongst others. With a handful of more players like Balaji Telefilm’s Alt Digital and Vuclip poised to enter the space, the OTT content production space is likely to get a shot in the arm.
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.
