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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Balaji Telefilms bets on films, digital as traditional TV loses steam
Balaji Telefilms is restructuring its business strategy with a sharper focus on movies and digital content , aiming to reduce its reliance on traditional television, which is under pressure due to pay-TV erosion and industry consolidation impacting margins. Historically, television has been the company's core business, with Balaji dominating primetime for years and delivering a string of popular shows. During the company's Q4 and FY25 earnings call on July 4, Group CEO and CFO Sanjay Dwivedi said the company is at the cusp of a turning point, driven by internal consolidation, strategic partnerships, and a redefined content distribution strategy. 'Over the next 2.5 to 3 years, movies will become the group's primary growth driver, followed by digital, with television as the third focus area,' Dwivedi told investors. 'We look at the content business broadly—whether TV or digital—alongside our motion pictures division and our B2C digital operations, including platforms like YouTube, Meta, and our proprietary app.' A key initiative during the year was the merger of ALT Balaji and Marinating Films into Balaji Telefilms, streamlining operations, reducing cost redundancies, and enabling significant tax benefits. This consolidation is expected to improve resource allocation across its core verticals, movies, television, and digital content. Among the notable developments was a long-term content partnership with Netflix. Described by Dwivedi as 'not a one-show, one-movie, or single-format deal,' the multi-year agreement spans various formats including direct-to-OTT films, telenovelas, binge-watch series, and reality shows. The collaboration builds on Balaji's earlier Netflix projects such as Kathal, Pagglait, and Jaane Jaan. Balaji also revamped its digital strategy, moving away from a purely subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) model to a hybrid framework that incorporates both SVOD and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD). 'Relying solely on SVOD has been a financial drag,' said Dwivedi. 'Our app now operates on both ad-supported and subscription-based models.' This shift helped reduce ALT Balaji's cash burn from over ₹120-145 crore annually to just ₹35 lakh per month. The platform currently has over two million active users and added 3.29 lakh subscriptions in Q4, including 1.73 lakh renewals. Still, Dwivedi emphasized that ALT Balaji would now form a 'smaller piece' of the broader digital strategy, as the company expands its presence across platforms. Balaji Telefilms, he said, is keeping production costs for its app-based content low, with shows costing around ₹2.5–3 lakh each. This means the app will not significantly burden the company's balance sheet. The platform is still a small part of the overall business, but the company plans to diversify its offerings and launch a cleaner, more refined version of the app in the future, he noted. On the B2B front, Balaji has built a digital content order book worth over ₹300 crore, with projects commissioned by platforms such as JioCinema and Hotstar. 'Three shows were delivered in the last fiscal, two of which—Power of Paanch and Kull—performed strongly on JioHotstar. We are also in talks for second seasons,' said Dwivedi. To further broaden its digital reach, Balaji launched Kutting, a short-form vertical video platform similar to Instagram Reels and is developing regional content in Tamil and Telugu. The company's new YouTube channel crossed one million subscribers within a month of its launch. The film division, which Balaji expects to be its main growth engine over the next three years, is gaining momentum. Using a pre-sale and co-production model, the company recovers 85-90% of production costs before release. 'We don't greenlight any movie until digital rights are secured,' Dwivedi noted. 'Across our film portfolio, we've delivered a 22% return on capital over six years.' The upcoming movie slate includes Vrushabha starring Mohanlal, set for a Diwali 2025 release; Bhoot Bangla featuring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan; and Vvan, a collaboration with The Viral Fever starring Sidharth Malhotra. Balaji plans to double its annual movie output from three to six films. Despite its legacy in television, the segment is facing yield and margin pressures. 'TV yields remain under stress, still down by more than 25% compared to pre-COVID levels,' Dwivedi said. Flagship shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain Phir Se and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi are ongoing, while discussions are underway with Colors for new titles, including a fresh season of Naagin. For FY25, Balaji reported revenue of ₹453 crore, down from ₹625 crore the previous year. However, net profit surged to ₹84.6 crore from ₹19.4 crore. The company also raised ₹130.7 crore in new capital during the year, with participation from promoters. The funds are being allocated across movies (₹65 crore), digital and music content (₹33 crore), and general corporate purposes (₹32.5 crore). 'In three years, we expect movies to be our primary business, followed by digital, with television becoming the third revenue stream,' Dwivedi reiterated. Looking ahead, Balaji is optimistic about rising content demand and platform growth. The company recently launched Kalnagri, an AI-generated show, as part of its push into tech-driven content creation. However, Dwivedi ruled out a digital business spin-off for now. 'Once the business scales and there's enough investor interest to unlock value, we can consider evaluating that option,' he said.
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Netflix forge new creative partnership
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 7 (ANI): Netflix and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms Ltd. have forged a new creative partnership spanning films and series. The deal encompasses content development across multiple formats tailored specifically for streaming audiences. An untitled series is already in advanced stages of development as part of the initial slate, as per Variety. The collaboration will be executed through Balaji Telefilms Ltd. and its divisions, including Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital. Speaking about the collaboration, Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, said, Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with 'unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed'. 'Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. Our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey' Ektaa Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said storytelling has always been at the heart 'of everything we do -- whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms'. She said the partnership 'is a big moment for us'. 'It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere.' Netflix and Balaji have previously collaborated on successful projects such as 'Kathal,' 'Pagglait,' 'Jaane Jaan' and Busan selection 'Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare.' (ANI)
News18
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Karan Johar Calls Ekta Kapoor His ‘Karmic Twin', Drops Old Photo On Her Birthday
Published By : Chirag Sehgal IANS Last Updated: Karan Johar took to his Instagram stories, where he shared a throwback picture with Ekta Kapoor and sent her birthday wishes. On Ekta Kapoor's 50th birthday, filmmaker Karan Johar wished his 'karmic twin" and tagged her as a visionary and a pioneer. Karan took to his Instagram stories, where he shared a throwback picture with Ekta and wrote: 'Happy birthday to my karmic twin!!!! To the girl with the largest heart and the forever friend!!!" He added: 'Love you Ektu … you are a visionary, a pioneer…and may you continue to lead way and inspire generations!!!" On the occasion of her birthday, Ekta on Saturday announced that her Balaji Telefilms Ltd is joining hands with streaming giant Netflix for creative collaboration for a range of projects across different formats of storytelling. Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said,'At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms." She added that partnering with Netflix is a big moment. Ekta added: 'It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere." Balaji and Netflix have previously collaborated on several beloved titles, including Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. Ekta began her career at the age of 17 and became known for producing a large number of television soap operas in Hindi including Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Kahiin To Hoga. On June 3, Karan introduced his newest family member and shared a series of pictures featuring his kids, Yash and Roohi, and their new furry friend named Nugget, a toy poodle. He penned a note in the caption, as he wrote, 'He has been with us for 6 months and has given us so much joy and so much love … we want you to meet our newest member of our family". The filmmaker is now gearing up for his next titled 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. The film marks the second collaboration between the lead pair after 'Pati Patni Aur Woh' which was released in 2019. First Published:
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Business Standard
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Netflix, Balaji Telefilms announce long-term creative partnership
Streaming giant Netflix and Ekta Kapoor's production banner Balaji Telefilms Ltd on Saturday announced a long-term creative collaboration to develop a wide array of projects across various storytelling formats. As part of the partnership, Netflix and Balaji will "deliver fresh and culturally resonant content" tailored for streaming audiences. It will span across Balaji Telefilms Ltd's various divisions, including Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital, a press release said. The first offering from the collaboration is an untitled series currently in advanced stages of development, with more projects expected to follow soon. "At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world's leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and constant innovation, is a big moment for us," Kapoor said. "It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere," she added. Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, described Kapoor as a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture even before hashtags existed. "Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. "At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey, Shergill said. Balaji and Netflix have previously worked together on several acclaimed films such as "Kathal", "Pagglait", "Jaane Jaan", and "Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare".
News18
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ektaa Kapoor Joins Hands With Netflix, Promises Creative Collaborations
Last Updated: Ekta and Netflix previously collaborated on several beloved titles, including Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. Netflix and Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms Ltd. have entered into a long-term creative collaboration for a range of exciting projects across different formats of storytelling. As one of India's most influential creators, Padma Shri awardee and International Emmy award winner, Ekta Kapoor, has entertained generations of audiences with deep and culturally resonant storytelling. Ekta's understanding of stories that are audience first, characters who have iconic legacies, compelling narratives and relevant topics, has been loved across film, television and more recently streaming. This association marks a significant step in Netflix and Balaji's commitment to delivering distinctive, high-quality entertainment across formats, genres, and audiences. Balaji and Netflix have previously collaborated on several beloved titles, including Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. Speaking about the collaboration, Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said, 'At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world's leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and constant innovation, is a big moment for us. It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere." Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, also added, 'Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed. Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience's pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey." With an exciting line-up which includes an untitled series in advanced stages of development, this collaboration promises to deliver new stories in formats tailor-made for streaming audiences. First Published: June 07, 2025, 12:35 IST
