Brands
Mukta Arts posts strong revenue and profit rise
MUMBAI: Mukta Arts Limited, the film production house helmed by veteran director Subhash Ghai, turned in a performance worthy of a standing ovation for the quarter ended 30 September 2025. The company’s standalone net profit soared to Rs 1.74 crore, more than double last year’s Rs 76.7 lakh, while revenue from operations rose 46 per cent year-on-year to Rs 4.85 crore.
Other income also gave the script a happy twist, contributing Rs 7.97 crore and taking total revenue to Rs 12.02 crore against Rs 10.34 crore in the same period last year.
Expenses rose modestly to Rs 10.22 crore from Rs 8.83 crore, largely due to higher employee costs and depreciation. Yet the bottom line stayed in the black, helped by better cost control and improved returns from its film, distribution and education segments.
On a consolidated basis, however, the group posted a loss of Rs 3.56 crore, weighed down by weaker performance at its subsidiaries including Whistling Woods International and Mukta A2 Cinemas.
The auditors flagged the long-running land lease dispute concerning Whistling Woods International, noting that the matter remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court, and said its outcome could affect valuations.
Despite these ongoing plotlines, Mukta’s financial direction seems to have regained its narrative focus. With the lights back on in cinemas and fresh productions on the floor, the studio appears ready for its next act.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
