MAM
Media stocks gain despite war fears
MUMBAI: Notwithstanding war fears, media stocks rose on the premier stock exchanges of the country. The Bombay Stock Exchange BSE Sensex ended at 3,218.73 (19.58 points higher) during the special trading session on Saturday. The National Stock Exchange Nifty rose to 1,037.15 ( up 6.60 points ).
Zee Telefilms opened the day at Rs 73.55 and rose to Rs 74.35 (up 1.09 per cent) and a total of 561,582 shares were traded on the BSE. On the NSE, the stock rose by 1.16 per cent to finish the day with Rs 74.40. The volume of shares traded was 782,897. In the last month, the stock has dropped from Rs 84 mark to settle around the existing level.
Padmalaya Telefilms has also recovered to rise 6.53 per cent to Rs 66.85 on the BSE and 57,035 shares were traded. On the NSE, it rose by 7.15 per cent to finish the day Rs 67.40. However, etc Networks fell by 2.68 per cent to end the day at Rs 38.10.
Balaji Telefilms opened the day at Rs 61.55 and rose to Rs 63.75 (up 3.57 per cent) and a total of 11,503 shares were traded on the BSE. On the NSE, the stock rose by 4.32 per cent to finish the day with Rs 64.05. The volume of shares traded was higher at 51,563 . In the last month, the stock has dropped from Rs 72 mark to settle around the existing level.
Cinevistaas rose by 1.10 per cent to end the day at Rs 23. Creative Eye rose 1.98 per cent to Rs 10.30. Tech stocks showed an upward trend and several ones included ones such as Hinduja TMT (up 5.67 per cent to Rs 182.70).
Stock analysts observed that the market which has been seeing a steady decline rose on expectations of a quick end to the US-Iraq conflict. However, the special trading session had no connection to the war. It was a forced one as NSE tested a back-up for its trading system and the BSE also followed suit to provide an equal opportunity to its members.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
