GECs
Balaji Telefilms reports improved results
BENGALURU: Ektaa Kapoor-led Balaji Telefilms Limited (Balaji Telefilms) reported improved consolidated revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2017 (Q2 2017-18) as compared with the corresponding quarter a year ago (y-o-y). Revenue from Balaji Telefilms’ recently launched OTT business, ALTBalaji, grew by 53 per cent to Rs 12.33 million in Q2 2017-18 from Rs 8.05 million in the trailing quarter. ALTBalaji was launched on 16 April 2017.
Balaji Telefilms’ total income increased by 6.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 1,165.71 million from Rs 1,096.6 million. Operating revenue grew by 3.7 per cent y-o-y to Rs 1,097.82 million from Rs 1,059.08 million mainly on higher realisation per hour from its television business or commissioned programmes. While the company reported the same number of commissioned programming hours–240 hours for the current quarter as compared with Q2 2016-17–the realisation per hour in the current quarter was Rs 3.2 million as against Rs 2.6 million in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Its other business besides ALTBalaji, the movies business, reported a decline of 28.8 per cent y-o-y in revenue in the current quarter to Rs 307.55 million from Rs 431.87 million as no films were released during the quarter.
The commissioned programmes business had operating profit of Rs 103.55 million in the current quarter as compared with Rs 79.15 million in Q2 2016-17. The films business reported operating profit of Rs 60.20 million as against operating loss of Rs 259.98 million in the comparative quarter last year. ALTBalaji incurred operating loss of Rs 202.86 million as compared with operating loss of Rs 43.49 million in the trailing quarter.
Balaji Telefilms reported consolidated loss of Rs 138.4 million in Q2 2017-18 as compared with loss of Rs 279.92 million in Q2 2016-17.
Balaji Telefilms’ total expenditure for Q2 2017-18 reduced by 7.2 per cent y-o-y to Rs 1,251.88 million from Rs 1,349.7 million. Cost of production/acquisition and telecast fees in the current quarter increased by 23.6 per cent y-o-y to Rs 971.08 million from Rs 785.45 million. Employee benefits expense during the quarter increased by 23.7 per cent y-o-y to Rs 84.21 million from Rs 68.06 million. Marketing and distribution expenses in the current quarter reduced by 60.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 77.65 million from Rs 195.47 million. Other expenses rose by 52.4 per cent to Rs 143.54 million from Rs 94.16 million.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
