GECs
Adlabs expanding into FM, home video; to pump in Rs 5 billion
MUMBAI: Adlabs Films Ltd is planning to invest Rs 5 billion over the next three years for expansion of its operations, entering into new areas, and making acquisitions.
The company aims to raise up to $100 million through issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs). The board will meet on 8 December for this purpose. “We are targeting $100 million. But it could be in the region of $50-100 million, depending on the response and terms that we manage to get for the FCCB issue,” says Adlabs Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.
Adlabs plans to foray into private FM broadcasting and has expressed interest in bidding for radio stations. It is also getting into the home video segment. “The investment towards radio would be approximately Rs 1.25 billion, if we manage to get the maximum stations that are allowed to an individual operator,” says Shetty.
In the multiplex business, Adlabs aims at adding up 100 screens by the end of FY 08. It already has 35 screens. “We will be making an investment of Rs 2 billion towards multiplexes,” says Shetty.
For film production, the plan is to produce at least seven-eight movies and pump in Rs 500-600 million a year. The company has tied up with noted film makers for a longer term. Ram Gopal Varma, for instance, will be making 12 films for Adlabs. Vipul Shah has been tied up for three movies and Prakash Jha for two. “We are negotiating with Ramesh Sippy. We plan to produce at least seven-eight movies a year from FY 07 onwards,” says Shetty.
Adlabs is also looking at expanding through acquisitions. “We are in negotiations with a few companies,” says Shetty.
Early this year, Anil Ambani’s Reliance Land Pvt Ltd acquired 51 per cent stake in Adlabs for a total consideration of Rs 3.6 billion.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
