GECs
Balaji Telefilms has movie plans, but steps cautiously
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms will undertake all film production activities of the promoters, marking a change in strategy aimed at scaling up operations.
Earlier, the movie projects were channelised through Balaji Films, an unlisted company. Founder-promoter and noted actor Jeetendra Kapoor had earmarked 6-7 movie projects at an estimated cost of Rs 700-800 million. The promoters had decided to keep Balaji Telefilms out of the movie business as they wanted to cushion the listed company against the risks that get attached to these projects.
Balaji Telefilms will, however, take a cautious approach and is making a foray into the movie production business with two low-cost projects totaling Rs 100 million. The lineup of future production will be weighed against the successes of the first two projects and will be spread over a period of time.
“We plan to do the movies through Balaji Telefilms. That will mean that the focus of the promoters stay concentrated on one rather than two companies. But we will be very careful on our projects as most of the movies are not succeeding at the box office,” says Balaji Telefilms president of strategy and business development R Karthik.
Balaji Telefilms will first release Kya Kool Hai Hum in April, followed soon by Koi Apsa.
Balaji Telefilms has committed the satellite TV rights for these two movies to Star, says Karthik. The terms of the deal including price are being worked out. “The rights could range from three to seven years depending upon the price,” he adds.
The music rights for Kya Kool Hai Hum have been sold to T-Series. Negotiations are on to sell the rights for the second movie.
Balaji Telefilms has, meanwhile, signed up with Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) to co-produce a movie. The project cost and other details, though, are yet to be finalised, says Karthik.
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.
