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Tag: Airlift

  • Indian cinema turns to artificial intelligence for epic Hanuman film

    Indian cinema turns to artificial intelligence for epic Hanuman film

    MUMBAI: Indian cinema is preparing to push the boundaries of filmmaking with what producers claim will be India’s first theatrically released motion picture created entirely using artificial intelligence (AI), centred on the Hindu deity Hanuman.

    Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, scheduled for worldwide release on Hanuman Jayanti in 2026, represents an ambitious fusion of ancient mythology and cutting-edge technology that could reshape how religious epics are brought to the screen.

    Abundantia Entertainment, the production house behind hits including Airlift and Ram Setu, is partnering with Collective Media Network’s Historyverse division on the project, which draws from the Ramayana and Puranic texts to create what they describe as a “visual odyssey.”

    The film is being developed by more than 50 engineers from Galleri5, the technology arm of Collective Artists Network, working alongside cultural scholars and literary experts to ensure narrative authenticity. Even the soundtrack will break new ground, composed by Trilok, billed as the world’s first AI-powered band that blends Indian spiritual traditions with contemporary sound.

    “We constantly push boundaries of storytelling possibilities, and I am delighted that we are partnering with Vijay and his amazing team at Collective to harness cutting-edge tech and tools to tell one of India’s most iconic stories,” said Abundantia Entertainment founder & CEO Vikram Malhotra.

    The project reflects growing confidence in AI’s creative potential within India’s entertainment industry, which has traditionally relied on star power and elaborate song-and-dance sequences to draw audiences. By choosing Hanuman—revered by hundreds of millions as a symbol of devotion, strength and faith—the producers are making a bold statement about technology’s role in preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage.

    Collective Artists Network founder & chief executive Vijay Subramaniam emphasised the company’s commitment to “authenticity and cultural stewardship”, promising “complete transparency about the role of AI in the creative process.” This approach addresses potential concerns from religious groups about technological interpretation of sacred stories.

    The timing is significant, as India’s film industry grapples with rising production costs and increasing competition from streaming platforms. AI-generated content could potentially reduce expenses while enabling more spectacular visual effects than traditional methods allow.

    Abundantia, founded in 2013 by former Viacom18 Motion Pictures chief operating officer Malhotra, has built its reputation on “uniquely Indian stories”, from the patriotic thriller Airlift to the biographical drama Shakuntala Devi. The company’s upcoming slate includes Subedaar starring Anil Kapoor and collaborations with acclaimed directors including Hansal Mehta.

    Collective Artists Network has expanded rapidly through acquisitions including Under 25 Universe and Terribly Tiny Tales, positioning itself at what Subramaniam calls the convergence of “culture, creators, and technology”. The company operates Big Bang Social, a platform for brand-creator collaborations, and has launched Collective Media Network to broaden its content reach.

    The Hanuman project represents more than technological experimentation—it’s a test of whether Indian audiences will embrace AI-generated storytelling for their most cherished cultural narratives. Success could open the floodgates for similar projects, while failure might reinforce traditional approaches to mythological cinema.

    The 2026 release date on Hanuman Jayanti, the festival celebrating the deity’s birth, suggests producers are confident in their ability to create something worthy of such a significant cultural moment. Whether audiences agree will determine if this marks the beginning of a new era in Indian filmmaking or merely an expensive experiment.

  • Ajay Kapoor’s experience will benefit our film venture: Wadhawan Group

    Ajay Kapoor’s experience will benefit our film venture: Wadhawan Group

    MUMBAI: The Rajesh Wadhawan Group, with interest in finance, real estate, hospitality, and sports, is now entering Bollywood with their foray into film production. The Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan-led group’s new venture will take shape under the able leadership of T- series’ former director Ajay Kapoor.

    Rajesh Wadhawan Group vice chairman Dheeraj Wadhawan said, “His wealth of experience and the body of work till date makes him a major force to reckon with in the industry. We hope Ajay’s vision and leadership skills will create strong foundation for our production house.”

    Starting a new chapter of his career, Kapoor felt it was time he took up new challenges. “Over the years, T-Series has given me a lot of love, strength and recognition in the market. It was time I took the experience I have gained and make use of it for exploring newer and bigger opportunities. I share the vision of this group’s foray into film production business and hope to make a difference together as envisioned.”

    At T-Series, Ajay was famous for having produced box-office hits like Ready, Tum Bin, Bhool Bhulaiya, Roy, Bhootnath Returns, Baby, Airlift and Hate Story among other. He worked with T Series Group for over 15 years.

  • Ajay Kapoor’s experience will benefit our film venture: Wadhawan Group

    Ajay Kapoor’s experience will benefit our film venture: Wadhawan Group

    MUMBAI: The Rajesh Wadhawan Group, with interest in finance, real estate, hospitality, and sports, is now entering Bollywood with their foray into film production. The Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan-led group’s new venture will take shape under the able leadership of T- series’ former director Ajay Kapoor.

    Rajesh Wadhawan Group vice chairman Dheeraj Wadhawan said, “His wealth of experience and the body of work till date makes him a major force to reckon with in the industry. We hope Ajay’s vision and leadership skills will create strong foundation for our production house.”

    Starting a new chapter of his career, Kapoor felt it was time he took up new challenges. “Over the years, T-Series has given me a lot of love, strength and recognition in the market. It was time I took the experience I have gained and make use of it for exploring newer and bigger opportunities. I share the vision of this group’s foray into film production business and hope to make a difference together as envisioned.”

    At T-Series, Ajay was famous for having produced box-office hits like Ready, Tum Bin, Bhool Bhulaiya, Roy, Bhootnath Returns, Baby, Airlift and Hate Story among other. He worked with T Series Group for over 15 years.

  • Tata Sky marks decade with all-channels offer to subscribers during Olympics

    Tata Sky marks decade with all-channels offer to subscribers during Olympics

    NEW DELHI: As a special gesture to mark ten years of its completion, subscribers will get to view all the 500 + channels and services that Tata Sky has to offer at no additional cost to their subscription between 8 to 21 August.H, Kapoor and Sons, Airlift, Maanjhi The Mountain Man, Bajirao Mastani, Shaandar, Tamashaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Dil Dhadakne Do, Jazbaa and Badlapur to the subscriber base free of cost.

    As a part of the celebrations, Tata Sky is carrying a special ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ logo on its DTH platform.

    Tata Sky’s MD & CEO Harit Nagpal said, “We couldn’t have celebrated this milestone without involving our subscribers, who have been at the core of our journey through the decade. Our celebratory offerings are just our way of conveying to our subscribers that Tata Sky ensures they get the best of world class entertainment viewing in abundance.”

    He added that this celebratory offer could not have come at a more opportune time as all subscribers can watch the much-awaited Rio Olympics at no additional cost.

    Over the last decade, Tata Sky said in a release that it had revolutionised Indian home entertainment by empowering television viewers with choice, control and convenience through a wide array of programming choices and interactive features.

    It claimed to have many revolutionary firsts under its belt, right from the PVR (Personal Video Recorder) set-top box, 4K Set top box, to first ever DIY (Do-It-Yourself) videos and an array of successful interactive services, thereby living up to its promise of offering Indian subscribers a world-class television viewing experience through its satellite television service.

  • Tata Sky marks decade with all-channels offer to subscribers during Olympics

    Tata Sky marks decade with all-channels offer to subscribers during Olympics

    NEW DELHI: As a special gesture to mark ten years of its completion, subscribers will get to view all the 500 + channels and services that Tata Sky has to offer at no additional cost to their subscription between 8 to 21 August.H, Kapoor and Sons, Airlift, Maanjhi The Mountain Man, Bajirao Mastani, Shaandar, Tamashaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Dil Dhadakne Do, Jazbaa and Badlapur to the subscriber base free of cost.

    As a part of the celebrations, Tata Sky is carrying a special ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ logo on its DTH platform.

    Tata Sky’s MD & CEO Harit Nagpal said, “We couldn’t have celebrated this milestone without involving our subscribers, who have been at the core of our journey through the decade. Our celebratory offerings are just our way of conveying to our subscribers that Tata Sky ensures they get the best of world class entertainment viewing in abundance.”

    He added that this celebratory offer could not have come at a more opportune time as all subscribers can watch the much-awaited Rio Olympics at no additional cost.

    Over the last decade, Tata Sky said in a release that it had revolutionised Indian home entertainment by empowering television viewers with choice, control and convenience through a wide array of programming choices and interactive features.

    It claimed to have many revolutionary firsts under its belt, right from the PVR (Personal Video Recorder) set-top box, 4K Set top box, to first ever DIY (Do-It-Yourself) videos and an array of successful interactive services, thereby living up to its promise of offering Indian subscribers a world-class television viewing experience through its satellite television service.

  • Star World Premiere HD to bring back S2 of Wayward Pines

    Star World Premiere HD to bring back S2 of Wayward Pines

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD is bringing back the the second season of Wayward Pines from May 27 onwards, 10 pm every Friday

    Wayward Pines is an adaptation of the Wayward Pines novels by eminent sci-fi and mystery author Blake Crouch. The show in its first season managed to serenade sci-fi fans with impeccable direction by M Night Shyamalan and a stellar star cast that included Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Matt Dillon who starred in wildly successful ventures like There’s Something About Mary (1998), Crash (2004), Factotum (2005), You, Me and Dupree (2006), Nothing but the Truth (2008).

    The second season haswith stars like two time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Jason Patric (Speed,My Sister’s Keeper) and  BAFTA nominated Nimrat Kaur ( Airlift, Lunch Box) joining the ranks. The upcoming season is set to be a glitzy affair.

    Wayward Pines season one traced the adventures of Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon), a U.S. Secret Service agent, who was investigating the mystery of the disappearance of his two colleagues. As his search leads him to the quaint little town of Wayward Pines, he awakens from a car accident only to find out that one of his colleagues is dead, the other, his former beau Kate Hewson (Carla Gugino) is living a rustic life in the town and all is not as it seems in the mysterious town. The town has sinister secrets and there seems to be something nefarious brewing just under the surface.

    While the first season ended at crossroads, with a civil war at the horizon where do the new characters fit in? It is well-known that the town of Wayward Pines exists in a post-apocalyptic future 2000 years from now, it is populated by folks who have been kept in suspended animation all that time and thawed out as required. So when the brilliant but eccentric doctor Theo Yedlin (Jason Patrick) wakes up groggily thinking it was only the previous night that his marriage with wife Rebecca (Nimrat Kaur) was falling apart at a holiday resort in Hawaii, he is quick to realize that something is rotten in Wayward Pines. As Yedlin replaces the town’s recently deceased physician, he begins navigating his baffling new surroundings.

    Meanwhile, Rebecca Yedlin (Nimrat Kaur), Theo’s wife and a former architect has already begun her work as the town’s beautician in the three years she’s been awake before her husband’s emergence.

    Speaking of his role, Jason Patric said, “I did not watch the previous season because one of the things about my character, Theo Yedlin, who is a surgeon, is that he has been dropped right in the middle of it all so his reactions need to be as pure as possible.I don’t have any definitive ideas about who he is or where he’s going, but I think that was one of the interesting things about choosing to do this project.”

    Nimrat Kaur also spoke about her role on the show, “I play the role of Rebecca, an architect who has designed the town of Wayward Pines. I am not one of the characters who wakes up unaware of what the place is like. Rebecca is someone who has a very complicated and intriguing journey on the show; she wakes up in Wayward Pines and copes up with her life there and struggles with her relationship with her husband while trying to find the perfect balance between everything.”

    With Theo, Rebecca and a historian (DjimonHounsou) having just come out of the slumber and entered the fold, how do their characters fit in and where does their loyalty lie? Will their entry have a domino effect on the events unfurling in the show? 

    The series has been nominated for the prestigious Saturn Awards in numerous categories and holds a rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

     

  • Star World Premiere HD to bring back S2 of Wayward Pines

    Star World Premiere HD to bring back S2 of Wayward Pines

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD is bringing back the the second season of Wayward Pines from May 27 onwards, 10 pm every Friday

    Wayward Pines is an adaptation of the Wayward Pines novels by eminent sci-fi and mystery author Blake Crouch. The show in its first season managed to serenade sci-fi fans with impeccable direction by M Night Shyamalan and a stellar star cast that included Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Matt Dillon who starred in wildly successful ventures like There’s Something About Mary (1998), Crash (2004), Factotum (2005), You, Me and Dupree (2006), Nothing but the Truth (2008).

    The second season haswith stars like two time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Jason Patric (Speed,My Sister’s Keeper) and  BAFTA nominated Nimrat Kaur ( Airlift, Lunch Box) joining the ranks. The upcoming season is set to be a glitzy affair.

    Wayward Pines season one traced the adventures of Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon), a U.S. Secret Service agent, who was investigating the mystery of the disappearance of his two colleagues. As his search leads him to the quaint little town of Wayward Pines, he awakens from a car accident only to find out that one of his colleagues is dead, the other, his former beau Kate Hewson (Carla Gugino) is living a rustic life in the town and all is not as it seems in the mysterious town. The town has sinister secrets and there seems to be something nefarious brewing just under the surface.

    While the first season ended at crossroads, with a civil war at the horizon where do the new characters fit in? It is well-known that the town of Wayward Pines exists in a post-apocalyptic future 2000 years from now, it is populated by folks who have been kept in suspended animation all that time and thawed out as required. So when the brilliant but eccentric doctor Theo Yedlin (Jason Patrick) wakes up groggily thinking it was only the previous night that his marriage with wife Rebecca (Nimrat Kaur) was falling apart at a holiday resort in Hawaii, he is quick to realize that something is rotten in Wayward Pines. As Yedlin replaces the town’s recently deceased physician, he begins navigating his baffling new surroundings.

    Meanwhile, Rebecca Yedlin (Nimrat Kaur), Theo’s wife and a former architect has already begun her work as the town’s beautician in the three years she’s been awake before her husband’s emergence.

    Speaking of his role, Jason Patric said, “I did not watch the previous season because one of the things about my character, Theo Yedlin, who is a surgeon, is that he has been dropped right in the middle of it all so his reactions need to be as pure as possible.I don’t have any definitive ideas about who he is or where he’s going, but I think that was one of the interesting things about choosing to do this project.”

    Nimrat Kaur also spoke about her role on the show, “I play the role of Rebecca, an architect who has designed the town of Wayward Pines. I am not one of the characters who wakes up unaware of what the place is like. Rebecca is someone who has a very complicated and intriguing journey on the show; she wakes up in Wayward Pines and copes up with her life there and struggles with her relationship with her husband while trying to find the perfect balance between everything.”

    With Theo, Rebecca and a historian (DjimonHounsou) having just come out of the slumber and entered the fold, how do their characters fit in and where does their loyalty lie? Will their entry have a domino effect on the events unfurling in the show? 

    The series has been nominated for the prestigious Saturn Awards in numerous categories and holds a rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

     

  • FY-2016: Inox PAT almost quadruples

    FY-2016: Inox PAT almost quadruples

    BENGALURU: Inox Leisure Limited (Inox) reported almost quadrupling (3.87 times) of profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY-2016, current year). The company reported PAT of Rs 77.49 crore (5.8 per cent margin on total income from operations or TIO) in the current year as compared to the Rs 20.04 crore (2 per cent margin on TIO) in the previous year.

    Note: The unit of currency in this report is the Indian rupee – Rs (also conventionally represented by INR). The Indian numbering system or the Vedic numbering system has been used to denote money values. The basic conversion to the international norm would be:

    (a) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10,000,000 = 10 million = 1 crore.

    (b) 10,000 lakh = 100 crore = 1 arab = 1 billion.

    PAT for the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-2016, current quarter) was 16.12 crore (5.6 per cent margin on TIO). During the corresponding quarter of the previous year, the company had reported a loss of Rs 4.06 crore, while PAT in the immediate trailing quarter was 3.3 per cent lower at Rs 15.60 crore (4.6 per cent margin on TIO).

    TIO for the current year was 31.1 per cent higher at Rs 1,332.69 crore as compared to the Rs 1,016.81 crore in the previous year. TIO in Q4-2016 grew 31.8 per cent YoY to Rs 286.92 crore from Rs 217.75 crore, but declined 16 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) from Rs 341.71 crore.

    Company speak

    Commenting on the results, Inox Group of companies director and group head (Corporate Finance) Deepak Asher, said, “Good content coupled with our expansion across the country, with a world class movie viewing experience has helped us in maintaining our growth in the last quarter. We will continue this growth momentum with our consistent efforts in the forthcoming quarters for our guests and all the stakeholders”.

    Gross Box Office (GBOC)

    During FY-2016, as well as Q4-2016, the increase in TIO was driven by increase in Gross Box Office collection (GBOC) in the sale of food and beverages (F&B).

    Inox reported GBOC of Rs 904.94 crore for the current year, 34.4 per cent higher as compared to Rs 673.08 crore in the previous year. GBOC in Q4-2016 increased 41.7 per cent YoY to Rs 191 crore as compared to Rs 134.80 crore, but declined 17.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 230.69 crore.

    Performance of the top five movies by GBOC performance accounted for 42 percent of total GBOC collection in the current quarter. The top five movies in terms of GBO collection for Q4-2016 in descending order were: Airlift (Rs 29.8 crore GBOC or Gross Box Office Collection, 15 lakh footfalls); Neerja (Rs 17.3 crore GBOC, 10.5 lakh footfalls); Kapoor&Sons (Rs 15.7 crore GBOC, 8.5 lakh footfalls) Bajirao Mastani (Rs 9.8 crore, 5.6 lakh footfalls); and Wazir (9.2 crore GBOC, 5.1 lakh footfalls).

    Advertising, food and beverages and other operating revenues

    F&B sales in FY-2016 were Rs 265.63 crore, 39.1 per cent higher as compared to Rs 191.03 crore in FY-2015. This segment reported 52.3 per cent higher YoY sales at Rs 56.99 crore in Q4-2016 as compared to Rs 34.73 crores, but 13 per cent lower QoQ as compared to Rs 65.51 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

    F&B spend per head in FY-2016 increased to Rs 58 from Rs 55 in FY-2016. In Q4-2016, F&B spend per head increased to Rs 58 from Rs 53 in Q4-2015.

    Revenue from advertising in FY-2016 increased 11.7 per cent to Rs 91.01 crore as compared to Rs 81.49 crore in FY-2015. In Q4-2016, advertising revenue declined 2 per cent to Rs 19.40 crore from Rs 19.79 crore in Q4-2015, and declined 34.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 29.49 crore.

    Other operating revenue in FY-2016 declined 0.2 per cent YoY to Rs 71.10 crore from Rs 71.21 crore. Other operating revenue declined 24.1 percent YoY in Q4-2016 to Rs 19.52 crore from Rs 25.73 crore, but increased 21.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 16.02 crore in Q3-2016.

    Footfalls, occupancy rates and average ticket price

    Footfalls for FY-2016 increased 30 per cent to 534 lakh from 411 lakh in FY-2015. Inox reported a 36 percent increase in footfalls in the current quarter at 115 lakh as compared to 84 lakh in Q4-2015, but a 10.9 per cent decline QoQ from 129 lakh in Q3-2016.

    Occupancy rate in the current year increased to 29 per cent from 25 per cent in FY-2015. Occupancy rate in Q4-2016 improved to 23 per cent from 20 per cent in Q4-2015, but was less than the 31 percent in Q3-2016.

    Average Ticket Price (APT) increased 3.7 per cent in FY-2016 to Rs 170 from Rs 164 in the previous year. ATP increased 5.7 per cent YoY to Rs 167 in the current quarter as compared to Rs 158, but declined 6.7 per cent QoQ from Rs 179.

    Entertainment Tax, Distributors share and F&B costs, rents, etc.

    Inox paid 43.1 per cent higher Entertainment Tax in FY-2016 at Rs 173.81 crore as compared to Rs 121.45 crore in the previous year. Entertainment Tax in Q4-2016 at Rs 35.61 crore was 56.5 per cent higher YoY than Rs 22.76 crore but was 19.8 percent lower QoQ entertainment tax as compared to Rs 44.40 crore.

    Distributors share (Exhibition cost) in FY-2016 was 30.5 per cent higher at Rs 325.30 crore as compared to Rs 249.32 crore in FY-2015. Distributors share in Q4-2016 at Rs 68.94 crore was 44.4 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 47.75 crore but was 18.5 per cent lower QoQ as compared to Rs 84.54 crore in Q3-2016.

    F&B costs in the current year were 34 per cent higher at Rs 66.41 crore as compared to Rs 49.55 crore in the previous year. F&B costs in Q4-2016 increased 37 percent YoY to Rs 14.18 crore as compared to Rs 10.35 crore, but declined 11.1 per cent QoQ from Rs 15.95 crore.

    Total Expense in the current year increased 26.1 per cent to Rs 1,223.06 crore from Rs 969.88 crore in FY-2015. Total Expense in the current quarter increased 29.8 percent YoY to Rs 292.59 crore from Rs 225.34 crore but declined 5.3 per cent QoQ from Rs 308.97 crore 

  • FY-2016: Inox PAT almost quadruples

    FY-2016: Inox PAT almost quadruples

    BENGALURU: Inox Leisure Limited (Inox) reported almost quadrupling (3.87 times) of profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended 31 March 2016 (FY-2016, current year). The company reported PAT of Rs 77.49 crore (5.8 per cent margin on total income from operations or TIO) in the current year as compared to the Rs 20.04 crore (2 per cent margin on TIO) in the previous year.

    Note: The unit of currency in this report is the Indian rupee – Rs (also conventionally represented by INR). The Indian numbering system or the Vedic numbering system has been used to denote money values. The basic conversion to the international norm would be:

    (a) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10,000,000 = 10 million = 1 crore.

    (b) 10,000 lakh = 100 crore = 1 arab = 1 billion.

    PAT for the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-2016, current quarter) was 16.12 crore (5.6 per cent margin on TIO). During the corresponding quarter of the previous year, the company had reported a loss of Rs 4.06 crore, while PAT in the immediate trailing quarter was 3.3 per cent lower at Rs 15.60 crore (4.6 per cent margin on TIO).

    TIO for the current year was 31.1 per cent higher at Rs 1,332.69 crore as compared to the Rs 1,016.81 crore in the previous year. TIO in Q4-2016 grew 31.8 per cent YoY to Rs 286.92 crore from Rs 217.75 crore, but declined 16 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) from Rs 341.71 crore.

    Company speak

    Commenting on the results, Inox Group of companies director and group head (Corporate Finance) Deepak Asher, said, “Good content coupled with our expansion across the country, with a world class movie viewing experience has helped us in maintaining our growth in the last quarter. We will continue this growth momentum with our consistent efforts in the forthcoming quarters for our guests and all the stakeholders”.

    Gross Box Office (GBOC)

    During FY-2016, as well as Q4-2016, the increase in TIO was driven by increase in Gross Box Office collection (GBOC) in the sale of food and beverages (F&B).

    Inox reported GBOC of Rs 904.94 crore for the current year, 34.4 per cent higher as compared to Rs 673.08 crore in the previous year. GBOC in Q4-2016 increased 41.7 per cent YoY to Rs 191 crore as compared to Rs 134.80 crore, but declined 17.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 230.69 crore.

    Performance of the top five movies by GBOC performance accounted for 42 percent of total GBOC collection in the current quarter. The top five movies in terms of GBO collection for Q4-2016 in descending order were: Airlift (Rs 29.8 crore GBOC or Gross Box Office Collection, 15 lakh footfalls); Neerja (Rs 17.3 crore GBOC, 10.5 lakh footfalls); Kapoor&Sons (Rs 15.7 crore GBOC, 8.5 lakh footfalls) Bajirao Mastani (Rs 9.8 crore, 5.6 lakh footfalls); and Wazir (9.2 crore GBOC, 5.1 lakh footfalls).

    Advertising, food and beverages and other operating revenues

    F&B sales in FY-2016 were Rs 265.63 crore, 39.1 per cent higher as compared to Rs 191.03 crore in FY-2015. This segment reported 52.3 per cent higher YoY sales at Rs 56.99 crore in Q4-2016 as compared to Rs 34.73 crores, but 13 per cent lower QoQ as compared to Rs 65.51 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

    F&B spend per head in FY-2016 increased to Rs 58 from Rs 55 in FY-2016. In Q4-2016, F&B spend per head increased to Rs 58 from Rs 53 in Q4-2015.

    Revenue from advertising in FY-2016 increased 11.7 per cent to Rs 91.01 crore as compared to Rs 81.49 crore in FY-2015. In Q4-2016, advertising revenue declined 2 per cent to Rs 19.40 crore from Rs 19.79 crore in Q4-2015, and declined 34.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 29.49 crore.

    Other operating revenue in FY-2016 declined 0.2 per cent YoY to Rs 71.10 crore from Rs 71.21 crore. Other operating revenue declined 24.1 percent YoY in Q4-2016 to Rs 19.52 crore from Rs 25.73 crore, but increased 21.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 16.02 crore in Q3-2016.

    Footfalls, occupancy rates and average ticket price

    Footfalls for FY-2016 increased 30 per cent to 534 lakh from 411 lakh in FY-2015. Inox reported a 36 percent increase in footfalls in the current quarter at 115 lakh as compared to 84 lakh in Q4-2015, but a 10.9 per cent decline QoQ from 129 lakh in Q3-2016.

    Occupancy rate in the current year increased to 29 per cent from 25 per cent in FY-2015. Occupancy rate in Q4-2016 improved to 23 per cent from 20 per cent in Q4-2015, but was less than the 31 percent in Q3-2016.

    Average Ticket Price (APT) increased 3.7 per cent in FY-2016 to Rs 170 from Rs 164 in the previous year. ATP increased 5.7 per cent YoY to Rs 167 in the current quarter as compared to Rs 158, but declined 6.7 per cent QoQ from Rs 179.

    Entertainment Tax, Distributors share and F&B costs, rents, etc.

    Inox paid 43.1 per cent higher Entertainment Tax in FY-2016 at Rs 173.81 crore as compared to Rs 121.45 crore in the previous year. Entertainment Tax in Q4-2016 at Rs 35.61 crore was 56.5 per cent higher YoY than Rs 22.76 crore but was 19.8 percent lower QoQ entertainment tax as compared to Rs 44.40 crore.

    Distributors share (Exhibition cost) in FY-2016 was 30.5 per cent higher at Rs 325.30 crore as compared to Rs 249.32 crore in FY-2015. Distributors share in Q4-2016 at Rs 68.94 crore was 44.4 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 47.75 crore but was 18.5 per cent lower QoQ as compared to Rs 84.54 crore in Q3-2016.

    F&B costs in the current year were 34 per cent higher at Rs 66.41 crore as compared to Rs 49.55 crore in the previous year. F&B costs in Q4-2016 increased 37 percent YoY to Rs 14.18 crore as compared to Rs 10.35 crore, but declined 11.1 per cent QoQ from Rs 15.95 crore.

    Total Expense in the current year increased 26.1 per cent to Rs 1,223.06 crore from Rs 969.88 crore in FY-2015. Total Expense in the current quarter increased 29.8 percent YoY to Rs 292.59 crore from Rs 225.34 crore but declined 5.3 per cent QoQ from Rs 308.97 crore 

  • Star Plus brings ‘Prisoners of War’ to India, renowned director to direct

    Star Plus brings ‘Prisoners of War’ to India, renowned director to direct

    MUMBAI: Star India's Hindi General Entertainment Channel (HGEC) Star Plus has signed a series license deal with Keshet International (KI) for its award -winning drama format, Prisoners of War

    The Indian adaptation will be produced by Emmay Entertainment (Producer of films such as Airlift, Katti Batti, Hero, D-Day), and directed by the popular Bollywood director Nikkhil Advani.

    Keshet International managing director distribution, Keren Shahar said, "We are extremely proud to be collaborating with Star Plus on one of our most accomplished properties and couldn't be happier that Prisoners of War continues to achieve such success internationally. The versatility of the format is evident, since it has attracted a dedicated following anywhere it has aired in the world. Securing this deal with a highly esteemed partner is indicative of KI's future ambitions in India."

    A Star India spokesperson further added, "We are excited to bring a story of such pedigree to India. Star Plus has always been at the forefront of bringing the best of the world to Indian television by constantly redefining the grammar of storytelling. This series, a psychological thriller, will engage and capture the imagination of the Indian viewer."

    Created, written and directed by Gideon Raff, Prisoners of War follows two soldiers as they attempt to re-adjust to their lives after returning home from captivity for 17 years.

    In addition to their personal struggles, it becomes clear that there is a profound secret that the two are keeping from everyone. The first season was the highest-rated drama of the year in Israel in 2011, achieving a 37 per cent share (HH). Season two launched on Keshet Channel 2 in 2012, and scored a 40 per cent average share, making it the most viewed drama of the year and peaking with an incredible 47.9 per cent  audience share during the season two finale.

    KI has licensed the series all over the world, both as a format and finished programme. It has brokered licensing deals for local adaptations in numerous territories including South Korea (Star J Entertainment), Russia (WeitMedia), Turkey (Medyapim), and most notably, the US (Fox21 and Showtime) where the adapted series, Homeland, has won numerous awards including Emmys and Golden Globes.