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“We are journalists and storytellers; Our mandate is to uncover, showcase, and celebrate cinema:”
Mumbai: The visionary behind Film Companion, founder Anupama Chopra is back with a new venture: Film Companion Studios.
Film Companion Studios is a speciality division for long-form storytelling, to create, develop and produce documentaries on all things film and entertainment. Film Companion Studios tells stories of storytellers and artists responsible for making cinema an experience. Through various endeavours, including impact-driven programmes to fund emerging filmmakers, FC Studios aims to take Film Companion’s legacy of discerning and nurturing love for cinema ahead.
Indiantelevision’s Suman Baidh in conversation with Film Companion Studios founder Anupama Chopra
Edited excerpt
On the inspiration for the creation of Film Companion Studios
The creation of Film Companion Studios came from our desire to document Indian cinema – the artists, the movies, the high points, and the low points. We started with Modern Masters, a documentary on SS Rajamouli. And through making that we decided that we wanted to do long-form storytelling around Indian cinema and pop culture.
On the planning to maintain the essence of Film Companion’s original mission while expanding into the more niche space of documentary filmmaking
The essence of Film Companion was always to be the missing Companion. FC Studios will also fulfil that role by bridging the gap between movies and movie lovers. We want to create an archive of incredible stories from the world of movies.
On focusing on long-form storytelling the criteria used to select the subjects for your documentaries
We want to tell stories that are engaging, informative and always, entertaining. That is the criteria we use to select subjects.
As the lines between journalism and content creation continue to blur, On Film Companion and Film Companion Studios shaping the future of entertainment journalism
We are journalists and storytellers. Our mandate is to uncover, showcase, and celebrate cinema. I don’t really worry about being a content creator. I hope the work that we do helps to propel entertainment journalism in the right direction.
On anticipating the shift from Film Companion to Film Companion Studios, potential resonance with the existing audience and challenges in retaining their loyalty are considered.
I think we have to continue to do our work with passion and integrity. As Rancho said in 3 Idiots – chase excellence and success will follow. I hope the same is true for our audience.
On the recent release of Modern Masters
Modern Masters was originally conceived by my erstwhile colleagues Baradwaj Rangan and Avinash Prakash. We took the idea to Applause Entertainment. Sameer Nair was excited by it and partnered with us in making the documentary. It’s been a thrilling journey to create the documentary and have it release on Netflix.
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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.
