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  • Monte Carlo slips into loss as sales drop in a seasonally weak quarter

    Monte Carlo slips into loss as sales drop in a seasonally weak quarter

    MUMBAI: Winterwear label Monte Carlo just caught a summer chill on its balance sheet. For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, Monte Carlo Fashions Ltd. reported a standalone net loss of Rs 1,632 lakh, slipping deeper into the red compared to a loss of Rs 1,327 lakh in the same quarter last year. Sequentially too, the performance weakened, with the company reporting a wider loss than the Rs 1,028 lakh deficit in the March 2025 quarter.

    Total income stood at Rs 13,896 lakh, down sharply from Rs 21,856 lakh in the March quarter, and only a marginal uptick from Rs 13,327 lakh in Q1 FY24. The drop was primarily due to a seasonal decline in revenue from operations, which came in at Rs 13,853 lakh, a notable fall from the Rs 20,593 lakh clocked just a quarter ago.

    Operating costs remained high. Purchases of stock-in-trade touched Rs 6,418 lakh, and employee expenses rose to Rs 3,234 lakh. While inventory adjustments offered some relief (with a positive change of Rs 2,724 lakh), it wasn’t enough to offset the drag from expenses like advertising and promotion (Rs 1,039 lakh) and finance costs (Rs 1,105 lakh).

    On a consolidated basis, losses remained nearly the same, with a net loss of Rs 1,622 lakh for Q1 FY26. Total consolidated income was Rs 14,897 lakh, again marking a sequential decline.

    Despite a strong performance in the previous full year with a standalone profit of Rs 7,980 lakh Monte Carlo is off to a frosty start this fiscal. Seasonal cyclicality, high fixed overheads, and a muted retail environment appear to have squeezed margins this quarter.

    The company’s equity base remains stable at Rs 2,073 lakh, with other equity reserves totalling Rs 81,337 lakh. Earnings per share (not annualised) stood at Rs (7.87), compared to Rs 38.49 for the year ended March 2025.

    With peak season months still ahead and inventory realignments underway, the Ludhiana-based firm will be banking on stronger demand in the colder quarters to thaw the current chill. Until then, investors may need to layer up for some financial frostbite.
     

  • Hero revs up Q1 with a profit bump and an EV jolt to the system

    Hero revs up Q1 with a profit bump and an EV jolt to the system

    MUMBAI: EVs, exports, and earnings, Hero MotoCorp’s first quarter of FY26 was anything but idle. The world’s largest two-wheeler maker posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,706 crore for the April–June 2025 quarter, a staggering 65 per cent jump from Rs 1,032 crore a year ago. A significant portion Rs 722 crore of that windfall came from a one-time gain following the partial dilution of Hero’s stake in Ather Energy, which went public this quarter.

    On a consolidated basis, Hero Motocorp clocked revenue from operations at Rs 9,728 crore, while standalone revenue stood at Rs 9,579 crore. Profit after tax (PAT) on a standalone basis was Rs 1,126 crore, flat compared to Rs 1,123 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Despite a slight drop in volumes 13.67 lakh units sold this quarter versus 15.35 lakh last year, the bottom line remained buoyant thanks to a steady 14.4 per cent EBITDA margin (Rs 1,382 crore), mirroring last year’s performance. The consolidated EBITDA margin nudged slightly higher at 14.5 per cent.

    Hero’s electric vehicle (EV) arm, VIDA, continues to plug into new opportunities. It launched a subscription-based Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and introduced the Evooter VX2. A campaign titled ‘Charging Simple Hai’, timed with the IPL, spotlighted VIDA’s swappable battery tech.

    On the global front, Hero pushed four new products into the Sri Lankan market in collaboration with long-time distributor Abans Auto: the Xoom 110, Hunk 160R 4V, Xtreme 125R and HF Deluxe.

    The 125cc scooter segment, led by Destini 125 and Xoom 125, and the newly launched HF Deluxe Pro in the 100cc segment helped maintain retail traction. VAHAN registrations remained healthy, and the upcoming festive season could accelerate demand.

    Premium positioning also got a boost with the Harley-Davidson 2025 line-up rollout, including the return of Street Bob and new Road Glide and Street Glide variants. Hero also opened new Premia stores across the country, reaching the 100-store milestone.

    Hero is also tackling regulatory curves. While the company awaits clarity on obligations under the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Rules 2025, it has not yet accounted for any financial impact, citing lack of a defined pricing or certification framework.

    Meanwhile, Hero continues to invest in brand visibility on and off the road. It signed golfers Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala as global ambassadors and added young Austrian rider Tobias Ebster to the Hero Motosports Rally team.

    Hero’s leadership sounds confident. Hero Motocorp chief financial officer Vivek Anand noted strong performance across electric, global and premium categories and flagged a “robust pipeline of new launches” for the coming quarters.

    Investors also got good news earlier this year, with the Board approving a final dividend of Rs 65 per share, taking the FY25 total to Rs 165 per share (8,250 per cent).

    Despite a temporary production pause that impacted dispatches, Hero appears ready to hit the throttle as it enters the festive season. With electric mobility gaining traction, international markets humming, and Ather’s IPO money in the bank, Hero seems geared for a smooth ride into the rest of FY26.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery announces new original docu-series ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’

    Warner Bros. Discovery announces new original docu-series ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is all set to launch a new Indian original docu-series, ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’, premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9:00 PM. Blending immersive storytelling with rich historical narratives, the show revisits the courage and resilience of India’s well-known as well as unsung kings and queens, including incredible guerrilla war strategists, naval warriors and empire builders.

    This eight-part series transports viewers across centuries and geographies. From Garhwal (Uttarakhand) and Malwa (western Madhya Pradesh) to Rajputana (Rajasthan), the Deccan (Maharashtra and Telangana), Karnataka, and Kashmir, each brings to life a ruler whose courage shaped history. To make it accessible to audiences across India and the South Asian diaspora, the series will be available in seven languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali.

    Ek Tha Raja is hosted by Akul Tripathi, a passionate storyteller, cultural expert, and one of India’s most respected voices in historical narratives. With a deep love for the subcontinent’s heritage, Akul brings history to life through compelling storytelling that blends fact, folklore, and modern-day relevance. His unique approach adds both gravitas and accessibility to the series, inviting audiences to experience India’s past as unforgettable and memorable stories.

    The show profiles remarkable rulers and leaders whose legacies live beyond the mainstream historical spotlight such as Rani Durgavati of Gondwana, who died defending her kingdom against the Mughals; Abbakka Chowta, the fiery queen of coastal Karnataka who defied Portuguese colonisers; and Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir, known for building one of the region’s most formidable empires. Also featured are icons such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga (Rajasthan), Peshwa Bajirao I (Maharashtra), Raja Chhatrasal (Bundelkhand), and Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, all of whom defended their land, people, and culture with unmatched courage and strategic brilliance.

    Commenting on the launch, Sai Abishek, head of factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “As a brand, we’ve always believed in championing powerful narratives, and Ek Tha Raja builds on that belief.  Through this series, we’re proud to bring the stories of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience, through a fresh, cinematic lens. It’s great to have a masterful storyteller like Akul Tripathi narrate these stories. His narration gives viewers a truly immersive experience into the lives of some of India’s greatest defenders.”

    As Discovery marks 30 years of storytelling in India and 40 years globally this August, Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi reflects this continued commitment to spotlighting stories that celebrate the country’s rich and diverse regional histories.

    Host, Akul Tripathi added, “History is often remembered by its victors. India’s past is filled with remarkable figures who stood their ground against invaders and adversity. Ek Tha Raja is our attempt to honour these leaders and to remind viewers that the roots of India’s freedom run far deeper than we’re often told. It’s also a way to pass these stories on to a younger generation, to help them see India’s legacy as a reminder that courage and leadership have always been part of our DNA.”

    Each episode dives into epic tales of conquest, valour, lost kingdoms, and overlooked warriors who shaped the subcontinent’s legacy of resistance. Expert interviews with royal descendants, historians, and cultural voices further deepen the storytelling, providing lived context and invaluable insights into these enduring legacies.

    Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi will be premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9 PM. The series will also stream on HBO Max in Southeast Asia.

  • How Maitri’s South-first strategy is shaking up Indian advertising

    How Maitri’s South-first strategy is shaking up Indian advertising

    MUMBAI: Nearly three decades ago, in the laid-back lanes of Kochi, three ex-Mudra execs took a punt on building an ad agency rooted in the South—but with national ambitions. Fast forward to 2025, and Maitri isn’t just holding its ground—it’s quietly becoming one of the most disruptive indie agencies in Indian advertising.

    With offices now spanning South India, the Maldives and Seychelles, Maitri has turned its bootstrapped beginnings into a ₹75-crore creative juggernaut. Its client list reads like an FMCG-Culture-Tech dream team: Netflix, Krafton, Wipro, Saffola, Disney+ Hotstar, and longtime loyals like Muthoot Finance and Mathrubhumi.

    So what’s their killer app? Not AI. Not jargon. But cultural intimacy.
    While the big Delhi-Mumbai shops took a north-to-south approach, Maitri did the opposite—leaning into its home-turf understanding of southern India. It didn’t just talk local; it thought local.

    As managing director Raju Menon puts it, “Nothing can beat consistency. When you deliver creatives to the clients that they love, year after year, you build a relationship. And that relationship builds the brand.”

    That philosophy has brought Maitri not just loyalty, but serious hardware.

    In 2025 alone, the agency walked away with 17 metals at the Indian Marketing Awards South—a haul that included 5 Golds, 8 Silvers and 4 Bronzes for campaigns that blended heart, humour and serious social impact.

    Some of the show-stoppers?

    ●    “How BGMI made a scam ad to expose scam ads” – a digital, social, and influencer-led takedown of online fraud (3 Silvers, 1 Bronze)

    ●    “The suicide note that saved 50+ lives” – a haunting but hopeful campaign for Muktaa Charitable Foundation (1 Gold, 2 Silvers)

    ●    “Let your life shine” for Muthoot Finance – proving finance can feel (1 Gold)

    ●    “Kappa Cultr 2025” – a cultural blast that nabbed a Gold for omnichannel mastery

    Also in their trophy cabinet: campaigns for Asianet, myG, Brahmins, and Mathrubhumi’s International Festival of Letters. Each piece a masterclass in blending storytelling, strategy, and South Indian soul.

    And Maitri’s not just creatively consistent. Their secret sauce is also in the staffing. Employee churn is shockingly low in an industry notorious for its exits. Most of the agency’s top talent—many of whom cut their teeth at global agencies—have chosen to come home, literally and creatively.

    The result? A shop that has the polish of a multinational and the pulse of a neighbourhood storyteller.

    With four consecutive Agency of the Year titles under its belt, Maitri’s next chapter looks like one hell of a ride. Quietly confident, fiercely local, and globally savvy, they’ve proven that a deep understanding of people beats flashy pitches—and that sometimes, the most powerful ads come not from the centre, but from the edge. Or in this case, Kochi.

  • Anmol Industries launches Raksha Bandhan campaign with a new take on sibling bonds

    Anmol Industries launches Raksha Bandhan campaign with a new take on sibling bonds

    MUMBAI: This Raksha Bandhan, Anmol Industries brings a heartfelt narrative to the screen, one that redefines traditional sibling roles and celebrates gratitude in its purest form. Titled “Iss Baar Mera Number Hai,” the brand’s latest campaign under the #HarPalAnmol umbrella is a tribute to the evolving nature of sibling bonds.

    The emotional film showcases a role reversal – where a brother chooses to tie a rakhi to his sister, acknowledging the years she stood by him not just as a sister, but as a parental figure, mentor, and protector. The story serves as a gentle nudge towards breaking free from fixed gender roles and embracing emotional reciprocity in relationships.

    The narrative unfolds through a surprise video message from a brother who reflects on the sacrifices and love he received from his elder sister. Childhood memories blend seamlessly with the present-day Raksha Bandhan celebration, culminating in a powerful, tear-jerking moment, when he ties a rakhi on her wrist instead. The gesture is symbolic and rooted in the belief that protection, love, and gratitude are not defined by tradition but by intent.

    The film ends with a thought-provoking message:

    “Behen bhai ke rishte mein na koi role hai fix, na koi rivaaz. Toh iss Raksha Bandhan, naye rivaazon ki shuruaat karein, aur banaye Har Pal Anmol.”

    Aman Choudhary, executive director – marketing and innovation, Anmol Industries, shared, “With each campaign, we try to reflect deeper emotional truths. ‘Iss Baar Mera Number Hai’ is more than just a Raksha Bandhan film – it’s a conversation starter about emotional equality and the unspoken acts of love in Indian families.”

    The campaign encourages people to share their Raksha Bandhan stories using #HarPalAnmol on social media, helping to create a wave of change. Anmol Industries remains committed to championing impactful narratives that inspire and uplift, ensuring that every festival is a celebration to cherish.

  • Thrissur’s ‘Mystery Box’ sparks viral curiosity

    Thrissur’s ‘Mystery Box’ sparks viral curiosity

    MUMBAI: In a bold and innovative move that’s turning heads in the advertising and sports marketing world, Thrissur Titans, one of the most followed franchises in the upcoming Kerala Cricket League, rolled out a unique pre-launch campaign built around a “Mystery Box”. Over a period of three days, this unbranded, cryptic installation kept appearing at key public spots across Thrissur, sparking widespread intrigue both on-ground and online.

    The campaign, conceptualised and executed by Emurge Sports and Popkon Creatives, was a meticulous blend of experiential guerrilla marketing and digital virality. The box travelled across the city from parks to tea shops, cultural landmarks to crowded junctions before finally making its way to the jersey unveiling venue, where a crowd of fans had gathered, drawn in by the growing speculation and curiosity.

    “The idea was simple but powerful: create a story the city can feel part of. We didn’t want just a just a cliched jersey reveal we wanted a shared moment, a city-wide participation in a build-up that felt like a live story unfolding in real time. In a time when every brand is screaming for attention, silence and suspense worked louder than noise for us.” said Vipin Nambiar, founder of Emurge Sports, the brand IP and strategy partner behind the Titans campaign.

    Candid content captured by the ground team showed passersby photographing, speculating, and even creating their own theories about the box’s purpose. This real-world engagement was mirrored online, with local influencers and fans joining the chatter turning the campaign into a case study on how to marry physical activations with digital storytelling.

    “For us, it was about triggering imagination. We didn’t plaster hoardings or do countdown posts. Instead, we placed a box. The audience did the rest,” added Ratheesh Menon, founder of Popkon Creatives.

  • Arena Animation announces World Creative Excellence League (WCEL)

    Arena Animation announces World Creative Excellence League (WCEL)

    MUMBAI: Arena Animation, a leader in animation, gaming, digital content creation, and VFX training and a brand of Aptech Limited, proudly announces the launch of the World Creative Excellence League (WCEL), a pioneering global creative competition platform for its students. Designed to encourage and celebrate artistic excellence among students, the inaugural edition of WCEL invites participation from students of Arena Animation from across the world. The competition, aiming to showcase creative talent on a large scale, marks a significant milestone in Arena Animation’s journey as a truly global creative education leader.

    Speaking about the new initiative, Sandip Weling, chief business officer, global retail business, Aptech Ltd and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said, “The World Creative Excellence League (WCEL) is more than just a competition; it is an outstanding platform that enables young creators to push their limits, gain recognition, and benchmark themselves against global creative standards. This initiative truly reflects Arena Animation’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and world class talent. By connecting students with international exposure and industry leaders, our aim is to build a talent pipeline for the future of the global creative economy.”

    Students participating in the WCEL are competing across 12 creative categories showcasing a wide range of skills. The categories range from Comic Design, Brand Identity Design, Motion Graphics, Cinematic Scenes (Unreal Engine), 3D CGI Advertising, to UI/UX Design, Short Story Reel and many more. The top 2 students in each category stand to win from a prize pool of INR 6,00,000. In its first edition, over 5,500 students have registered for the WCEL competition. In addition to individual student recognition, Arena Animation centres will also have the opportunity to earn the prestigious title of “WCEL Centre of Excellence”. The title will be awarded to centres that demonstrate outstanding participation and performance across multiple benchmarks in the competition, which includes highest number of students participants, maximum no. of qualified artwork submissions, the most nominations across categories and top winning entries. It’s a recognition of the passion, mentorship quality and the creative culture nurtured at these top performing Arena centres – setting benchmarks for others to follow.

    Participant entries comprise original artworks in their chosen categories highlighting the creative vision, skill, and storytelling abilities of Arena Animation students. All entries are judged by a Grand Jury comprising industry leaders and international experts, ensuring high standards of evaluation and global credibility. This elite panel brings diverse perspectives and ensures that the evaluation is aligned with global standards of creative excellence.

    Participating students also benefit from 12 exclusive masterclasses led by experienced mentors, helping them hone their skills conducted by brands such as Adobe, Pantone, and more.

    Arena Animation’s existing flagship event, Creative Minds, is also playing a vital role as a qualifying ground for the WCEL. The top artworks from each category at Creative Minds earn a direct spot, handpicked by the jury, into the WCEL. These jury picked entries are in addition to the top artworks from the primary categories, based on the quality of their artwork and skills of the students. These shortlisted students then compete at the international level, where one ultimate winner per category gets crowned.

  • ZEE5 makes its Malayalam original debut with ‘Kammatam’

    ZEE5 makes its Malayalam original debut with ‘Kammatam’

    MUMBAI: ZEE5 is rolling out the red carpet in Kerala, and it’s not for a romcom. The home-grown streaming giant is making its Malayalam original debut with Kammatam — a gritty, no-nonsense crime thriller inspired by a real-life murder that rattled Thrissur and the state at large.

    Premiering 29 August, the six-part investigative series is directed by Shan Thulasidharan and backed by 23 Feet Productions. It stars national award-winner Sudev Nair as circle inspector Antonio George — a man who smells something off when a planter’s suspicious “accident” scene doesn’t add up. A missing necklace, a dead auto driver with a shady past, and a mysterious two-wheeler later, and George finds himself knee-deep in a sinister web of lies, silence, and moral rot.

    Joining Nair is a powerhouse cast including Jins, Jeo Baby, Ajay Vaasudev, Akhil Kavalayoor, Arun Sol, Sreerekha, and Jordy Poonjaa. Together, they bring to life a story laced with betrayal, blood, and quiet rage — a far cry from your garden-variety whodunit.

    Set against the humid, brooding backdrop of Kerala’s heartland, Kammatam doesn’t just deliver on suspense — it unearths uncomfortable truths about complicity, conscience, and the cost of silence. ZEE5, which has been steadily expanding its regional footprint, is clearly not here to play it safe in the Malayalam market.

    Lloyd Xavier, senior vice president – marketing South and business Head – ZEE5 Tamil & Malayalam  said, “Kammatam exemplifies the compelling storytelling that defines Malayalam content, rooted, realistic and deeply engaging. Inspired by true events and set against the nuanced backdrop of small-town Kerala, the series delivers a gripping narrative with morally complex characters and sharp investigative drama. As we continue to strengthen our Malayalam slate, Kammatam reinforces our commitment to offering content that not only entertains but also reflects the cultural and emotional depth of the region.”

    Shan Thulasidharan, director of Kammatam said, “Kammatam is a grounded thriller built on real events that once shook a quiet town. The story draws its strength from the community’s closeness, yet secrets run deep. Filming in such an authentic setting allowed us to bring out the eerie normalcy that surrounds the unfolding mystery. We focused on telling a taut, character-driven story that feels real, unsettling, and deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric”

    One thing’s certain: with Kammatam, ZEE5 isn’t just dipping its toes into Malayalam content — it’s diving headfirst into the deep end. And it’s bringing the body count with it.

  • CoinSwitch unveils Creator Labs

    CoinSwitch unveils Creator Labs

    MUMBAI: CoinSwitch announced the launch of Creator Labs, the country’s first accelerator program for crypto content creators. The initiative aims to nurture a new wave of trustworthy, insightful, and consumer-first voices in the crypto space.

    India leads the world in grassroots crypto adoption, but credible content remains scarce. Only a few credible creators exist in space while misinformation thrives. Creator Labs is CoinSwitch’s answer to this gap: an intensive accelerator designed to equip aspiring creators with the tools, skills, and mindset to succeed, responsibly.

    “Creator Labs is our commitment to building a responsible crypto creator ecosystem in India. We are starting small but ambitious about where this can go,” said CoinSwitch co-founder Ashish Singhal.

  • The Body Shop and The Terra Co. launch purposeful Rakhi campaign

    The Body Shop and The Terra Co. launch purposeful Rakhi campaign

    MUMBAI : The Body Shop, a British-born ethical beauty brand, invites families to honour Rakhi tradition in a way that nurtures both relationships and the planet. This year, the brand strengthens its commitment to meaningful celebrations by partnering with The Terra Co., a homegrown brand focused on eco-friendly and innovative handmade creations. The collaboration marks another milestone in The Body Shop’s journey of responsible retail.

    At the heart of the campaign is a specially curated Rakhi Gift Box, co-created by The Body Shop India and The Terra Co. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the ethos of both brands, each box features Seed Rakhis handcrafted by women artisans, paired with The Body Shop’s nature-inspired beauty treats.

    The collaboration comes alive through the campaign film, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these Rakhis are made. The video captures women artisans carefully tying threads, adding seed details, and assembling the Rakhis into boxes — echoing the campaign message that this is more than a gift, it’s a lifeline for artisan families and a celebration of meaningful giving.

    The Body Shop Asia South, chief brand officer, Harmeet Singh said, “Rakhi is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of love, protection, and lasting promises. At The Body Shop, we see this occasion as a chance to deepen our purpose, making beauty more inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable. This year, our collaboration with The Terra Co brings that vision to life with gifts that grow and traditions that empower. Every Seed Rakhi is handcrafted by women and artisans, making each box a celebration of real stories and second chances. We hope families feel the joy of giving back to their loved ones, their community, and the earth.”