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
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.
