Movie Channels
Sun TV reports balanced growth amid market volatility
Mumbai: In a climate marked by increasing operational costs and fluctuating revenues, Sun TV Network Limited has reported a modest increase in revenue for the quarter ending 30 September 2024. Despite a 3.26 per cent year-over-year rise in revenue from core operations, which totaled Rs 799.36 crore (excluding movies and sports segments), the company’s bottom line tells a more complex story. Net profit after tax decreased by 12.7 per cent from Rs 456.24 crore in Q2 FY24 to Rs 398.17 crore, signalling operational challenges and increased expenses across the board.
The growth in advertisement revenue, a critical component of Sun TV’s revenue, was a highlight. It saw a 2.13 per cent increase, reaching Rs 335.42 crore compared to Rs 328.42 crore in the same period last year. Subscription revenue also improved by 4.43 per cent, totaling Rs 436.75 crore, underlining the network’s stable viewer base across its diverse media platforms. This progress reflects Sun TV’s ability to engage its audience across four southern and three northern Indian languages, covering platforms from satellite television to digital OTT services and sports franchises.
Operational costs, however, presented a significant burden, impacting profit margins. Sun TV’s operating expenses rose to Rs 219.61 crore, a marked increase from last year’s Rs 170.48 crore for the same quarter. The company reported EBITDA at Rs 528.98 crore, down from Rs 716.21 crore a year earlier, reflecting the broader cost pressures facing the network.
Sun TV’s consolidated revenue from operations was Rs 934.54 crore, reflecting a year-over-year decrease from Rs 1,048.45 crore in Q2 FY24. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 5 per share, maintaining a consistent return to shareholders amid fluctuating financial performance. Earnings per share (EPS) fell from Rs 11.58 in Q2 FY24 to Rs 10.10 this quarter.
From a cash flow perspective, the company reported a notable reduction in cash from operating activities, which stood at Rs 915.70 crore for the six months ending 30 September 2024, compared to Rs 1,127.56 crore for the same period last year. This contraction in operational cash flow underlines the challenges posed by rising expenses and investment needs.
With the earnings release, Sun TV also disclosed a noteworthy revenue boost from its cricket franchises—Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The combined income for these sports assets reached Rs 497.14 crore for the half-year period, underscoring the brand’s diversified revenue streams. The corresponding franchise expenses amounted to Rs 237.76 crore, a testament to the increasing financial stakes of sports franchise ownership.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses further influenced the financial outcome, rising from Rs 214.34 crore in Q2 FY24 to Rs 191.36 crore this quarter. Meanwhile, finance costs also doubled to Rs 3.20 crore, reflecting additional capital needs.
Sun TV’s mixed performance in Q2 FY25 signals both the resilience of its core revenue streams and the challenges posed by rising costs and intense market competition. With a focus on maintaining growth in advertisement and subscription revenues, the network’s strategic outlook may pivot towards enhancing cost efficiency, particularly within its sports and digital streaming ventures.
Financial Highlights:
1. Revenue Growth: Sun TV Network’s Q2 FY25 revenue (excluding movies and sports) increased by 3.26 per cent year-over-year, reaching Rs 799.36 crore.
2. Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenue rose by 2.13 per cent to Rs 335.42 crore, indicating a stable recovery in ad spends.
3. Subscription Revenue: Subscription revenue grew by 4.43 per cent, amounting to Rs 436.75 crore, driven by a strong subscription base.
4. Total Income: Consolidated total income for Q2 FY25 stood at Rs 1,064.14 crore, a slight decline from Rs 1,125.08 crore in the previous year.
5. EBITDA: EBITDA for the quarter was Rs 528.98 crore, down from Rs 716.21 crore year-over-year, reflecting broader industry cost pressures.
6. Profit Before Tax: Profit before tax decreased to Rs 498.40 crore from Rs 608.24 crore in Q2 FY24.
7. Profit After Tax: Net profit stood at Rs 398.17 crore, a decline from Rs 456.24 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
8. Interim Dividend: The board declared a 100 per cent interim dividend at Rs 5 per share, underscoring strong cash flow.
9. Sports Franchise Income: Income from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape franchises reached Rs 497.14 crore for H1 FY25, with expenses at Rs 237.76 crore.
10. Market Position: Sun TV Network’s diverse portfolio and stable revenue sources position it resiliently amidst changing media industry dynamics.
Movie Channels
Laughs meet chills as ‘Jhamkudi’ hits TV screens
MUMBAI: Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Jhamkudi, the Gujarati blockbuster that cast a spell on cinema-goers, makes its world television premiere on Shemaroo Josh this 14 November at 7 PM.
Directed by Umang Vyas, the film takes viewers to the eerie village of Raniwada, where Navratri celebrations are overshadowed by the curse of a vengeful witch. Enter Bablo, a quirky real estate agent, and Kumud, a royal heir, whose fates collide in a hilarious and spooky chain of events that’s equal parts chaos and charm.
The film stars national award-winning actress Manasi Parekh, who shines once again with her trademark depth and grace, alongside Viraj Ghelani, the digital sensation whose comic timing is as sharp as ever. The stellar ensemble also includes Ojas Rawal, Sanjay Goradia, Jayesh More, Krunal Pandit, Chetan Daiya, and Bhavini Jani.
Blending goosebumps with giggles, Jhamkudi proves that even horror can have heart. With its sharp writing, witty dialogues, and a dash of desi masala, the film promises an evening of family fun that’s both thrilling and thoroughly entertaining.
So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and tune in to Shemaroo Josh on 14 November at 7 PM for the perfect mix of fright and delight, because this witch tale is all about wicked fun!
Movie Channels
Zee reels in record highs with a blockbuster show of movie magic
MUMBAI: In a cinematic twist worthy of its own premiere, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) has pulled off a blockbuster of its own recording a three-year high share of 28.7 per cent in the Hindi movie cluster in Q2FY26. Proving that great storytelling never goes out of style, the content and technology powerhouse has reaffirmed its dominance in India’s ever-competitive movie broadcast landscape.
Leading the charge is Zee Cinema, which reclaimed its position as the No. 1 Hindi movie channel (15 plus HSM Urban) this quarter. Its line-up of premieres from the rural rumbler Jaat to the slick actioner Game Changer pulled in massive audiences. But it was Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 that truly stole the show, delivering the highest-rated movie premiere of FY26 so far. The last film to achieve a similar feat? Gadar 2, also a Zee Cinema triumph from November 2023.
Meanwhile, Zee’s Free-to-Air dynamos Anmol Cinema and Zee Action flexed their reach muscle, becoming the most-watched channels across all languages and genres. Each channel drew in more than 116 million viewers, proving that free TV still holds unbeatable sway in Indian households.
The story doesn’t end in Hindi. Zee’s regional clusters continue to script their own success stories. In Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, and Zee Chitramandir maintained their near-50 per cent market share, with the world television premiere of Phullwanti delivering the highest ratings of the quarter. Down south, Zee Thirai (Tamil) and Zee Cinemalu (Telugu) kept their leadership intact, while Zee Biskope in the Bhojpuri belt ranked among the top three in its market, a cinematic sweep across regions.
“The growth of our movies cluster across languages is a strong reflection of our content strategy focusing on new super-hit premieres, classic titles from our library and data-driven curation,” said a company spokesperson. “The genre’s unmatched reach and strong resonance amongst male viewers and the youth also enable it to deliver scale and strategic value to advertisers across markets.”
And those advertisers are clearly tuning in. The genre’s steady viewership and distinct audience base make Hindi movie channels a mainstay in media mixes for India’s top ten advertisers. In September 2025 alone, Zee’s 22 movie channels across six languages reached over 550 million viewers, a testament to the scale and staying power of its cinematic empire.
From Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Karan Arjun to RRR and Bobby, Zee’s vast film library continues to bridge nostalgia and novelty. Some titles have reached iconic status Hum Aapke Hain Koun, for instance, has been watched by a staggering 250 million people over the past five years, roughly equal to the population of the world’s fifth most populous country.
As Zee continues to blend data with drama and strategy with storytelling, it’s clear the brand isn’t just broadcasting films, it’s curating a cultural phenomenon. For millions of viewers across India, the show must go on and with Zee, it most certainly will
Movie Channels
Lights, camera, boo! &pictures turns full on spooky
MUMBAI: Trick or treat, but make it filmi! This Halloween, &pictures is turning up the spook-o-meter with ‘Full On Halloween’, a fun-horror movie marathon airing all day on 31 October 2025. Promising goosebumps, giggles and ghostly surprises, the channel is set to deliver a perfect mix of fright and fun.
From eerie small-town tales to supernatural showdowns, the line-up packs in something for everyone. The chills kick off at 8:45 am with Kakuda, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Riteish Deshmukh, followed by the mischievous The Bhootni at 3:15 pm, featuring Sanjay Dutt, Palak Tiwari and Mouni Roy. At 5:30 pm, Phone Bhoot dials up laughs and scares with Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi, before the visually rich folklore fantasy Tumbbad closes the night at 10:40 pm.
Adding to the fun are K3 Kaali Ka Karishma, Om Bheem Bush, and Bhaagmathi, keeping the thrills fresh and spooky spirits high. With a blend of humour, horror, and high-energy storytelling, Full On Halloween promises a day where jump scares meet joyrides.
So this 31 October, grab your popcorn and your courage, because Halloween on &pictures isn’t just on… it’s Full On!
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