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
Uber spotlights Rs 25 bike rides with music led IPL campaign
Uber uses 15 second music films with Divine and Roll Rida to push Rs 25 rides
MUMBAI: In a season where ads usually swing for sixes with celebrity spectacle, Uber has chosen to play a clever single sharp, fast, and straight to the point. Uber has rolled out a distinctly stripped-down IPL campaign, putting its product Uber Bike rides starting at Rs 25 for up to 3 km front and centre, rather than leaning on big-budget storytelling. The campaign features hip-hop artist Divine in Mumbai and Roll Rida in southern markets, using music as the primary vehicle for recall.
IPL advertising has long been dominated by high-production narratives packed with cricketers and film stars. Uber’s approach flips that playbook. Instead of elaborate storytelling, the brand opts for 15-second music-led films quick, rhythmic bursts designed to mirror the pace of urban mobility itself.
The message is deliberately simple, affordable, fast rides that cut through city traffic. No layered plots, no extended build-up just a functional promise delivered with cultural flair.
In the Mumbai-led film, Divine zips through traffic on an Uber Bike, turning the Rs 25 price point into a hook with his signature wordplay around “pachisi”. The campaign cleverly reframes affordability as a moment of delight, the kind that leaves commuters with a “32-teeth smile” after beating traffic at minimal cost.
Meanwhile, Roll Rida’s version leans into southern sensibilities, blending Telugu and Tamil influences with high-energy visuals. Set to the beat of tape drums, the film celebrates how low-cost rides can unlock a more connected and vibrant city experience. Together, the films reflect a conscious push towards regional authenticity, rather than a one-size-fits-all national narrative.
The campaign also signals Uber’s sharper focus on India’s growing bike taxi segment. While the company offers multi-modal services spanning cars, autos, metro integrations and intercity travel, this push zeroes in on two-wheelers as a key growth lever in dense urban markets.
By anchoring the campaign around a Rs 25 entry price for short distances, Uber is targeting everyday commuters, particularly younger users navigating congested cities where speed and cost matter more than comfort.
With IPL advertising clutter at its peak, even the most straightforward message risks getting lost. Uber’s answer is to embed the proposition within culture using music, regional nuance and repeat-friendly short formats to drive recall. The creative team has also layered subtle visual cues including multiple references to “25” within frames encouraging repeat viewing and reinforcing the core message without over-explaining it.
The campaign reflects a broader shift in advertising priorities. As attention spans shrink and media environments get noisier, brands are increasingly favouring clarity over complexity and speed over scale.
Uber’s IPL play may not shout the loudest, but it lands where it matters in the everyday commute. Because sometimes, in a marketplace full of grand narratives, a Rs 25 ride is story enough.
