iWorld
Balaji Telefilms denies specific intent to sale of stake in digital business to global firm
BENGALURU: Balaji Telefilms Limited has denied any specific intention of selling a stake in its digital business to a global firm in a response filed at the bourses. The Stock Exchange had asked for a clarification from Balaji Telefilms about a report published in the Economic Times that said the Balaji Telefilms was in talks with a global firm to sell a 20 percent stake, and the deal valued Balaji’s digital business at Rs 1,900 crore.
In its response, Balaji Telefilm said that the company, during its normal course of business, keeps exploring various opportunities to enhance shareholder value, including fund raising opportunities. There are, however, no specific discussions/negotiations by the company regarding sale of its stake in the digital business subsidiary. The response says that Balaji Telefilms was cognizant of its regulatory responsibilities and would keep the Stock Exchanges informed in case of any specific developments.
The response further said that Balaji Telefilms was working towards getting the necessary approval(s) from its shareholders in the matter which was already informed to the Stock Exchanges in its Outcome of Board Meeting letter date November 9, 2015, stating that the Board of Directors of the Company in its meeting held on November 9, 2015, had approved to raise funds not exceeding Rs 250 crore by way of QIP/GDR/ADR/FCCB/other securities linked to equity/preference shares/any security or instrument representing convertible securities and to increase the authorised share capital of the company from Rs 20 crore to Rs 26 crore, subject to approval of shareholders.
Balaji Telefilm said that it had no comment to offer on the price movement mentioned by the Stock Exchange letter, as this was a function of the market.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
