ITV

Tag: Welcome Back

  • FY-16: Eros International Media revenue up

    FY-16: Eros International Media revenue up

    BENGALURU: The Sunil Lulla led Eros International Media Limited (Eros) reported 11.4 percent increase in total revenue including other income (TR) for the fiscal ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current year, current fiscal) as compared to the previous year. Eros reported TR of Rs 1,603.45 crore in FY-16 as compared to Rs 1,441.03 crore in FY-15.

    The company’s Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the current year increased 11.3 percent to Rs 1,582.58 crore in the previous fiscal. Profit after Tax (PAT) after minority interest in the current year declined 13.5 percent to Rs 214.15 crore (13.4 percent PAT margin of TR) as compared to Rs 247.06 crore (17.1 PAT margin of TR) in the previous year.

    Eros says that revenue for FY-16 saw a significant growth on account of global releases of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Bajirao Mastani, TanuWeds Manu Returns, Welcome Back, Srimanthudu amongst others across theatrical, overseas and satellite revenues, and overseas releases of Dil Dhadakne Do, Singh is Bling and Gabbar is Back reinforcing the portfolio and film mix strategy

    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.

    Earnings before Interest and Tax in FY-16 declined 6.6 percent to Rs 337.36 crore from Rs 361.19 crore in the previous year.

    The breakup of revenues in FY-16 was: Television and others 30 percent; Theatrical 43.8 percent; Overseas 26.1 percent. The comparative breakup of revenues in FY-15 was: Television and others 31.3 percent; Theatrical 38 percent; Overseas 30.7 percent.

    Total Expenditure in the current year increased 17.2 percent to Rs 1,266.09 crore (80 percent of TIO) from Rs 1,079.84 (76 percent of TIO) in FY-15.

    Direct Costs during FY-16 stood at Rs 1,144.8 crore, including Rs. 617.8 crore of content amortization (Rs 940 crore of direct costs including content amortization of Rs 497.6 crore in FY-15) and overflow accrued to Producers on account of hit films.

    For the period ending March 31, 2016, the company generated free cash flow of Rs 300 crore as compared to negative Rs 50 crore in FY-15. As on 31 March 2016, total receivables stood at Rs. 428.2 crore as compared to Rs. 525.7 crore as on 31 March, 2015.

    Films released in FY-16

    In FY-16, of the 63 films released by Eros, 6 high budget, 16 medium and 41 low budget films were released in as against 6 high budget, 11 medium and 47 low budget movies in FY-15. In FY-16, of the 63 films that were released 33 were Hindi and 30 were Regional films as compared to 64 films during FY-15, which included 45 Hindi and 19 regional films.

    In the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter) Q4-16, only 6 medium and 6 low budget films were released as against 1 high budget, 4 medium and 17 low budget movies in Q4-15. During the quarter, 12 films were released consisting of 3 Hindi and 5 Tamil/Telugu films and 4 Regional films as compared to 22 films during Q4-15, which included 17 Hindi and 5 Tamil/Telugu films.

    Company speak

    Eros executive vice chairman and managing director Lulla said, “Fiscal 2016 clearly proved to be one of the best year for our films at the Box Office demonstrating the quality and robustness of our content green-lighting strategy, a strong competitive edge for Eros. This is possible as over the years, we have built scale and expertise with the help of an experienced management team which has constantly set new benchmarks in the industry. Continuing this momentum, we had an excellent start to FY17 with Sardaar Gabbar Singh in Telegu, ‘Ki & Ka’ in Hindi and 24 in Tamil delivering splendid performances and together with ‘Housefull 3’ scheduled to open next week, we are looking at a blockbuster first quarter.

    “We have a very exciting film slate for the upcoming quarters, which include films such as ‘Rock On 2’, ‘Dishoom’, ‘Baar Baar Deko’, ‘Shivaay’, Banjo, Singham 3 together with a diversified slate of other regional releases. On the whole, FY 2017 will be seeing an exciting movie repertoire of over 65 content driven Eros films in Hindi and other regional languages, making it the biggest future slate by any studio in India. The slate would also be aided by compelling films from our franchise production arm, Trinity Pictures. To further demonstrate our portfolio and de-risking strategy, I am happy to announce that a substantial part of the above mentioned slate is already pre-sold for satellite rights with the major television networks.”

    “I am happy to report that we ended the year with record revenues of Rs. 16,036 million and healthy profitability. Further, we generated Rs. 3,000 illion free cash flow in FY16 and strengthened our balance sheet by bringing about working capital efficiencies. We are confident that we will continue to maintain
    our market leadership position in the years to come.”

  • FY-16: Eros International Media revenue up

    FY-16: Eros International Media revenue up

    BENGALURU: The Sunil Lulla led Eros International Media Limited (Eros) reported 11.4 percent increase in total revenue including other income (TR) for the fiscal ended 31 March 2016 (FY-16, current year, current fiscal) as compared to the previous year. Eros reported TR of Rs 1,603.45 crore in FY-16 as compared to Rs 1,441.03 crore in FY-15.

    The company’s Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the current year increased 11.3 percent to Rs 1,582.58 crore in the previous fiscal. Profit after Tax (PAT) after minority interest in the current year declined 13.5 percent to Rs 214.15 crore (13.4 percent PAT margin of TR) as compared to Rs 247.06 crore (17.1 PAT margin of TR) in the previous year.

    Eros says that revenue for FY-16 saw a significant growth on account of global releases of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Bajirao Mastani, TanuWeds Manu Returns, Welcome Back, Srimanthudu amongst others across theatrical, overseas and satellite revenues, and overseas releases of Dil Dhadakne Do, Singh is Bling and Gabbar is Back reinforcing the portfolio and film mix strategy

    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.

    Earnings before Interest and Tax in FY-16 declined 6.6 percent to Rs 337.36 crore from Rs 361.19 crore in the previous year.

    The breakup of revenues in FY-16 was: Television and others 30 percent; Theatrical 43.8 percent; Overseas 26.1 percent. The comparative breakup of revenues in FY-15 was: Television and others 31.3 percent; Theatrical 38 percent; Overseas 30.7 percent.

    Total Expenditure in the current year increased 17.2 percent to Rs 1,266.09 crore (80 percent of TIO) from Rs 1,079.84 (76 percent of TIO) in FY-15.

    Direct Costs during FY-16 stood at Rs 1,144.8 crore, including Rs. 617.8 crore of content amortization (Rs 940 crore of direct costs including content amortization of Rs 497.6 crore in FY-15) and overflow accrued to Producers on account of hit films.

    For the period ending March 31, 2016, the company generated free cash flow of Rs 300 crore as compared to negative Rs 50 crore in FY-15. As on 31 March 2016, total receivables stood at Rs. 428.2 crore as compared to Rs. 525.7 crore as on 31 March, 2015.

    Films released in FY-16

    In FY-16, of the 63 films released by Eros, 6 high budget, 16 medium and 41 low budget films were released in as against 6 high budget, 11 medium and 47 low budget movies in FY-15. In FY-16, of the 63 films that were released 33 were Hindi and 30 were Regional films as compared to 64 films during FY-15, which included 45 Hindi and 19 regional films.

    In the quarter ended 31 March 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter) Q4-16, only 6 medium and 6 low budget films were released as against 1 high budget, 4 medium and 17 low budget movies in Q4-15. During the quarter, 12 films were released consisting of 3 Hindi and 5 Tamil/Telugu films and 4 Regional films as compared to 22 films during Q4-15, which included 17 Hindi and 5 Tamil/Telugu films.

    Company speak

    Eros executive vice chairman and managing director Lulla said, “Fiscal 2016 clearly proved to be one of the best year for our films at the Box Office demonstrating the quality and robustness of our content green-lighting strategy, a strong competitive edge for Eros. This is possible as over the years, we have built scale and expertise with the help of an experienced management team which has constantly set new benchmarks in the industry. Continuing this momentum, we had an excellent start to FY17 with Sardaar Gabbar Singh in Telegu, ‘Ki & Ka’ in Hindi and 24 in Tamil delivering splendid performances and together with ‘Housefull 3’ scheduled to open next week, we are looking at a blockbuster first quarter.

    “We have a very exciting film slate for the upcoming quarters, which include films such as ‘Rock On 2’, ‘Dishoom’, ‘Baar Baar Deko’, ‘Shivaay’, Banjo, Singham 3 together with a diversified slate of other regional releases. On the whole, FY 2017 will be seeing an exciting movie repertoire of over 65 content driven Eros films in Hindi and other regional languages, making it the biggest future slate by any studio in India. The slate would also be aided by compelling films from our franchise production arm, Trinity Pictures. To further demonstrate our portfolio and de-risking strategy, I am happy to announce that a substantial part of the above mentioned slate is already pre-sold for satellite rights with the major television networks.”

    “I am happy to report that we ended the year with record revenues of Rs. 16,036 million and healthy profitability. Further, we generated Rs. 3,000 illion free cash flow in FY16 and strengthened our balance sheet by bringing about working capital efficiencies. We are confident that we will continue to maintain
    our market leadership position in the years to come.”

  • Zee Cinema to air world TV premiere of ‘Welcome Back’ on 28 May

    Zee Cinema to air world TV premiere of ‘Welcome Back’ on 28 May

    MUMBAI: Zee Cinema, the world’s biggest theatre for Hindi movies, is all set for the World television premiere of Welcome Back on 28 May at 8 pm. The channel intends to take its viewers on a crazy, fun filled laughter riot with this premiere. The sequel to the Anees Bazmee directed blockbuster Welcome the ensemble star cast includes Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Paresh Rawal, Dimple Kapadia and Naseeruddin Shah. An interesting fact is that ‘Welcome Back’ is the first Bollywood Film to be shot inside the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi amongst other exotic locations.

    Zee Cinema, with its promise of Movies.Masti.Magic, brings to its viewers exciting contests and experiences as a part of the promotional plan for the premiere. Mumbaikars will get a chance to spot a sleek ‘Welcome Back’ limousine cruising in and around Matunga, Dadar, Bandra, Worli, Mahim and other parts of South Mumbai on 26 and 27 May. Viewers will get a once in a lifetime chance to take a ride in the plush limousine in Mumbai. Also, the contest #BhaiInMumbai will take place on 26th and 27th May and give viewers an opportunity to click a selfie with the cutouts of Uday Bhai (Nana Patekar), Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor) and other lead stars placed at key locations in the city. They can tag the social media handles of the channel (Facebook: @zeecinema | Twitter: @zeecinema) and the best photographs/participants will win a couple ride in the magnificent limousine on 28 May.

    Zee Cinema is setting new benchmarks in customer engagement on social media as well with innovation. The channel has launched India’s first Automated Facebook Messenger Bot that allows the audience to chat with the quirky and fun Uday Bhai (Nana Patekar) and Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor). The Bot uses ‘Natural Language Processing’ which understands what specific information the user is asking based on Algorithms & Machine Learning. Facebook recently launched this facility at the recent F8 developer conference and Zee Cinema is the first brand in India to adopt it for user engagement. Zee Cinema has also adopted a 360 degree marketing approach including TV, Radio, Print and Outdoor Media amongst other mediums to entertain viewers across all platforms to build the premiere on the channel.

    Shot at various extravagant locations of Dubai, the movie revolves around Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar) and Majnu (Anil Kapoor) who have quit the underworld and become ethical businessmen. It is revealed that Shankar Shetty (Uday’s father also enacted by Nana Patekar) has a second daughter Ranjana (Shruti Haasan) and her marriage is Uday’s responsibility. The twist in the story comes when Ranjana and a hot hunk – Ajay aka Ajju (John Abraham), a well-known street smart criminal falls in love. Having left the crime world, Uday and Majnu try every trick in the book to separate the young couple, but in vain. That is when they decide to take help of the most powerful don Wanted Bhai (Naseeruddin Shah).

    The various twists and turns will take the viewers on a ride filled with laughter and lots of entertainment.

  • Zee Cinema to air world TV premiere of ‘Welcome Back’ on 28 May

    Zee Cinema to air world TV premiere of ‘Welcome Back’ on 28 May

    MUMBAI: Zee Cinema, the world’s biggest theatre for Hindi movies, is all set for the World television premiere of Welcome Back on 28 May at 8 pm. The channel intends to take its viewers on a crazy, fun filled laughter riot with this premiere. The sequel to the Anees Bazmee directed blockbuster Welcome the ensemble star cast includes Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Paresh Rawal, Dimple Kapadia and Naseeruddin Shah. An interesting fact is that ‘Welcome Back’ is the first Bollywood Film to be shot inside the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi amongst other exotic locations.

    Zee Cinema, with its promise of Movies.Masti.Magic, brings to its viewers exciting contests and experiences as a part of the promotional plan for the premiere. Mumbaikars will get a chance to spot a sleek ‘Welcome Back’ limousine cruising in and around Matunga, Dadar, Bandra, Worli, Mahim and other parts of South Mumbai on 26 and 27 May. Viewers will get a once in a lifetime chance to take a ride in the plush limousine in Mumbai. Also, the contest #BhaiInMumbai will take place on 26th and 27th May and give viewers an opportunity to click a selfie with the cutouts of Uday Bhai (Nana Patekar), Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor) and other lead stars placed at key locations in the city. They can tag the social media handles of the channel (Facebook: @zeecinema | Twitter: @zeecinema) and the best photographs/participants will win a couple ride in the magnificent limousine on 28 May.

    Zee Cinema is setting new benchmarks in customer engagement on social media as well with innovation. The channel has launched India’s first Automated Facebook Messenger Bot that allows the audience to chat with the quirky and fun Uday Bhai (Nana Patekar) and Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor). The Bot uses ‘Natural Language Processing’ which understands what specific information the user is asking based on Algorithms & Machine Learning. Facebook recently launched this facility at the recent F8 developer conference and Zee Cinema is the first brand in India to adopt it for user engagement. Zee Cinema has also adopted a 360 degree marketing approach including TV, Radio, Print and Outdoor Media amongst other mediums to entertain viewers across all platforms to build the premiere on the channel.

    Shot at various extravagant locations of Dubai, the movie revolves around Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar) and Majnu (Anil Kapoor) who have quit the underworld and become ethical businessmen. It is revealed that Shankar Shetty (Uday’s father also enacted by Nana Patekar) has a second daughter Ranjana (Shruti Haasan) and her marriage is Uday’s responsibility. The twist in the story comes when Ranjana and a hot hunk – Ajay aka Ajju (John Abraham), a well-known street smart criminal falls in love. Having left the crime world, Uday and Majnu try every trick in the book to separate the young couple, but in vain. That is when they decide to take help of the most powerful don Wanted Bhai (Naseeruddin Shah).

    The various twists and turns will take the viewers on a ride filled with laughter and lots of entertainment.

  • Q3-2016: Eros revenue down

    Q3-2016: Eros revenue down

    BENGALURU: The Sunil Lulla led Eros International Media Limited (Eros) reported a 31.7 per cent YoY drop in consolidated Total Income from operations (TIO) at Rs 335.35 crore in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter). The company had reported TIO of Rs 490.73 crore in the corresponding prior year quarter. Operating revenue in the current quarter declined 33.6 per cent as compared to Rs 504.91 crore in the immediate trailing quarter (quarter on quarter or QoQ).

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
    All numbers in this are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

    Profit after tax (PAT) in the current quarter declined to almost a third (down 65.5 per cent) year on year (YoY) to Rs 37.77 crore (11.3 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 109.34 crore (22.3 per cent margin) and fell 58.2 per cent as compared to to Rs 90.30 crore (17.9 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

    The company says its revenues vary quarter on quarter based on release slate. In Q3-2016, there was only one high budget film compared to three high budget films in Q3-2015 with only partial revenues of Bajirao Mastani.

    In Q3-2016, Eros says that one high budget, four medium and 10 low budget films were released as against three high budget, one medium and eight low budget movies in Q3-2015. During the quarter, 15 movies were released consisting of seven Hindi and five Tamil/Telugu films and three Regional film as compared to 12 films during Q3-2015, which included eight Hindi and four Tamil/Telugu films.

    Eros further informs that apart from the new release slate, a significant part of its revenue is contributed by monetisation of its valuable film library, and generally has a second half skew. Since catalogues revenues have longer payment cycles associated with them the company has decided to defer sales for couple of quarters until its receivables position normalises.

    Receivables

    As on 31 December, 2015, Eros says that its total receivables stood at Rs 6,358 million as compared to Rs 6,300 million as on 30 September, 2015. Receivables not due as of 31 December, 2015 was Rs 339.3 crore as compared to Rs 389.9 crore as on 30 September, 2015. Receivables over 365 days old were Rs 38.8 crore as of 31 December, 2015.

    Between 1 January, 2016 to 7 February, 2016, the company has seen a further collection of Rs 52.5 crore of receivables of the period up to 31 December, 2015. The company says that it remains confident to bring the overall receivables down to Rs 525 crore by the end of FY-2016.

    Company speak

    Eros executive vice chairman and managing director Sunil Lulla said, “I am pleased to announce yet another profitable quarter from Eros International driven by the blockbuster success of Bajirao Mastani and a string of regional releases. Our results for the nine months ended December 2015 reflect the strong performance of our film slate with total domination of the box office charts withBajrangi Bhaijaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Welcome Back, etc.; and strong television, ancillary and overseas revenues to complement the box office. We are very proud that our films have been dominating the Bollywood awards declared for CY2015. We continue to pride our green-lighting process and build on our portfolio strategy of films across varied budgets and languages backed by strong pre-sales to de-risk the business model.

    “We are upbeat about our film slate for FY-2017, which includes a string of high-octane releases such as R. Balki’s Ki & Ka, the hit franchise comedy Housefull 3, the highly anticipated rock musical franchise Rock On 2, the action drama, Shivaay and a host of regional releases amongst others,” continued Lulla.
    “We firmly believe that the company has a conservative capital structure and a well-funded balance sheet and we are proud to bring down our Net Debt/Equity ratio to just 0.11 with a free cash flow of Rs 1,320 million in the 9M FY2016. I am confident that with our clear strategic focus, differentiated revenue streams and regional strategy execution, we will continue to deliver solid results in the future and we thank all our shareholders and associates for their continued support,” added Lulla.

    Eros International Plc Group CEO Jyoti Deshpande added, “Calendar year 2015 has been nothing short of brilliant for Eros International operationally with a higher than average box office success of our entire film slate along with critical acclaim and awards to go with it. This year also marked the beginning of the monetisation of the 30 million plus registered users of Eros now our OTT platform and our foray into what could be potentially ground breaking Indo – China co-productions. We continue to support Eros International Media in every possible way with our strong balance sheet and are thrilled that Eros International Media has achieved a free cash flow (FCF) of Rs 1,320 million in the 9M-2016. We look forward to announcing Q3 results of Eros International Plc later in February with a further update on other related matters. once again we thank our shareholders, business associates, the Indian film industry and other partners who have helped us strengthen our resolve even in tough times.”

    Revenue breakup: Eros breakup of revenue for 9M-2016 (nine month period ended 31 December, 2015): Theatrical Revenue – 44.2 per cent; Overseas Revenue – 29.3 per cent; Television and others 26.5 per cent.

    Total Expenditure in the current quarter declined 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 270.59 crore (80.7 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 345.34 crore (70.4 per cent of TIO) and declined 27.1 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 370.97 crore (73.5 per cent of TIO).

    The company’s EBIT (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) declined 53.9 per cent YoY to Rs 67.65 crore (20.2 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 146.63 crore (29.9 per cent margin) and declined 51.3 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 139.01 crore (27.5 per cent margin).

    Employee Benefits Expense (EBE) in the current quarter increased 47.2 per cent YoY to Rs 14.12 crore (4.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 9.59 crore (two per cent of TIO), but declined 1.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 14.29 crore (2.8 per cent of TIO).

  • Q3-2016: Eros revenue down

    Q3-2016: Eros revenue down

    BENGALURU: The Sunil Lulla led Eros International Media Limited (Eros) reported a 31.7 per cent YoY drop in consolidated Total Income from operations (TIO) at Rs 335.35 crore in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter). The company had reported TIO of Rs 490.73 crore in the corresponding prior year quarter. Operating revenue in the current quarter declined 33.6 per cent as compared to Rs 504.91 crore in the immediate trailing quarter (quarter on quarter or QoQ).

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
    All numbers in this are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

    Profit after tax (PAT) in the current quarter declined to almost a third (down 65.5 per cent) year on year (YoY) to Rs 37.77 crore (11.3 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 109.34 crore (22.3 per cent margin) and fell 58.2 per cent as compared to to Rs 90.30 crore (17.9 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

    The company says its revenues vary quarter on quarter based on release slate. In Q3-2016, there was only one high budget film compared to three high budget films in Q3-2015 with only partial revenues of Bajirao Mastani.

    In Q3-2016, Eros says that one high budget, four medium and 10 low budget films were released as against three high budget, one medium and eight low budget movies in Q3-2015. During the quarter, 15 movies were released consisting of seven Hindi and five Tamil/Telugu films and three Regional film as compared to 12 films during Q3-2015, which included eight Hindi and four Tamil/Telugu films.

    Eros further informs that apart from the new release slate, a significant part of its revenue is contributed by monetisation of its valuable film library, and generally has a second half skew. Since catalogues revenues have longer payment cycles associated with them the company has decided to defer sales for couple of quarters until its receivables position normalises.

    Receivables

    As on 31 December, 2015, Eros says that its total receivables stood at Rs 6,358 million as compared to Rs 6,300 million as on 30 September, 2015. Receivables not due as of 31 December, 2015 was Rs 339.3 crore as compared to Rs 389.9 crore as on 30 September, 2015. Receivables over 365 days old were Rs 38.8 crore as of 31 December, 2015.

    Between 1 January, 2016 to 7 February, 2016, the company has seen a further collection of Rs 52.5 crore of receivables of the period up to 31 December, 2015. The company says that it remains confident to bring the overall receivables down to Rs 525 crore by the end of FY-2016.

    Company speak

    Eros executive vice chairman and managing director Sunil Lulla said, “I am pleased to announce yet another profitable quarter from Eros International driven by the blockbuster success of Bajirao Mastani and a string of regional releases. Our results for the nine months ended December 2015 reflect the strong performance of our film slate with total domination of the box office charts withBajrangi Bhaijaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Welcome Back, etc.; and strong television, ancillary and overseas revenues to complement the box office. We are very proud that our films have been dominating the Bollywood awards declared for CY2015. We continue to pride our green-lighting process and build on our portfolio strategy of films across varied budgets and languages backed by strong pre-sales to de-risk the business model.

    “We are upbeat about our film slate for FY-2017, which includes a string of high-octane releases such as R. Balki’s Ki & Ka, the hit franchise comedy Housefull 3, the highly anticipated rock musical franchise Rock On 2, the action drama, Shivaay and a host of regional releases amongst others,” continued Lulla.
    “We firmly believe that the company has a conservative capital structure and a well-funded balance sheet and we are proud to bring down our Net Debt/Equity ratio to just 0.11 with a free cash flow of Rs 1,320 million in the 9M FY2016. I am confident that with our clear strategic focus, differentiated revenue streams and regional strategy execution, we will continue to deliver solid results in the future and we thank all our shareholders and associates for their continued support,” added Lulla.

    Eros International Plc Group CEO Jyoti Deshpande added, “Calendar year 2015 has been nothing short of brilliant for Eros International operationally with a higher than average box office success of our entire film slate along with critical acclaim and awards to go with it. This year also marked the beginning of the monetisation of the 30 million plus registered users of Eros now our OTT platform and our foray into what could be potentially ground breaking Indo – China co-productions. We continue to support Eros International Media in every possible way with our strong balance sheet and are thrilled that Eros International Media has achieved a free cash flow (FCF) of Rs 1,320 million in the 9M-2016. We look forward to announcing Q3 results of Eros International Plc later in February with a further update on other related matters. once again we thank our shareholders, business associates, the Indian film industry and other partners who have helped us strengthen our resolve even in tough times.”

    Revenue breakup: Eros breakup of revenue for 9M-2016 (nine month period ended 31 December, 2015): Theatrical Revenue – 44.2 per cent; Overseas Revenue – 29.3 per cent; Television and others 26.5 per cent.

    Total Expenditure in the current quarter declined 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 270.59 crore (80.7 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 345.34 crore (70.4 per cent of TIO) and declined 27.1 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 370.97 crore (73.5 per cent of TIO).

    The company’s EBIT (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) declined 53.9 per cent YoY to Rs 67.65 crore (20.2 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 146.63 crore (29.9 per cent margin) and declined 51.3 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 139.01 crore (27.5 per cent margin).

    Employee Benefits Expense (EBE) in the current quarter increased 47.2 per cent YoY to Rs 14.12 crore (4.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 9.59 crore (two per cent of TIO), but declined 1.2 per cent QoQ from Rs 14.29 crore (2.8 per cent of TIO).

  • Q2-2016: Inox YoY revenue up riding on higher box office, PAT quadruples

    Q2-2016: Inox YoY revenue up riding on higher box office, PAT quadruples

    BENGALURU: Inox Leisure Limited reported 33.6 per cent increase in Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q2-2016, current quarter) at Rs 355.38 crore as compared to the Rs 265.94 crore in Q2-2015. The company’s TIO in Q2-2016 also improved 192 basis points as compared to the Rs 348.68 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The increase was driven by a 35.5 per cent increase in box office collection in the current quarter at Rs 243.87 crore as compared to the Rs 179.96 crore in Q2-2015 and fractionally higher than the Rs 239.38 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    (2) Figures include Satyam Cineplexes Limited which became wholly owned subsidiary of the company on 8th Aug 2014.

     

    Improved Box Office performance of a number of movies saw the company’s PAT in the current quarter almost quadruple (up 3.92 times) to Rs 20.51 crore (5.8 per cent margin) as compared to the Rs 5.23 crore (two per cent margin) in Q2-2015, but declined 18.8 per cent as compared to the Rs 25.26 crore (7.2 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Performance of movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Rs 53.26 crore GBOC or Gross Box Office Collection, 28 lakh footfalls); Baahubali –The Beginning (Rs 39.67 crore, 25 lakh footfalls); Welcome Back (Rs 16.1 crore GBOC, 10 lakh footfalls); Drishyam (Rs 13.72 crore GBOC, 8 lakh footfalls) and Brothers (11.03 crore GBOC, 6 lakh footfalls) drove the resurgence in revenue as well profit after tax (PAT).

     

    Footfalls, occupancy rates and average ticket price

     

    Inox reported a 30 per cent increase in footfalls in the current quarter at 145 lakh as compared to the 112 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter and flat as compared to the 145 lakh in Q1-2016.

     

    Occupancy rate in Q2-2016 improved to 32 per cent as compared to the 26 per cent in Q2-2015 and slightly lower than the 33 per cent in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Average Ticket Price (APT) increased 3.6 per cent to Rs 167 in the current quarter as compared to the Rs 161 in Q2-2015 and Rs 165 in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Advertising, food and beverages and other operating revenues

     

    The company reported 20.2 per cent higher advertising revenue in Q2-2016 at Rs 21.40 crore as compared to the Rs 17.81 crore in Q2-2015 and was 3.2 per cent more than the Rs 20.72 in Q1-2016.

     

    Food and Beverages revenue (F&B) in Q1-2016 increased 36.5 per cent to Rs 69.24 crore as compared to the Rs 50.77 crore in Q2-2015, but declined 6.3 per cent as compared to the Rs 73.89 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    Other operating revenue increased 19.9 per cent to Rs 20.87 crore as compared to the Rs 17.40 crore in Q2-2015 and was 42 per cent more than the Rs 14.70 crore in Q1-2016.

     

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

     

    Inox paid 48.7 per cent higher entertainment tax in Q2-2016 at Rs 47.57 crore as compared to the Rs 32 crore in Q2-2015 and 2.9 per cent more than the Rs 42.63 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    Distributors share (exhibition cost) in Q2-2016 at Rs 86.61 crore increased 26.1 per cent as compared to the Rs 68.71 crore in Q2-2015 and was 1.6 per cent more than the Rs 85.21 crore in Q1-2016.

     

    F&B costs in Q2-2016 increased 31.6 per cent to Rs 17.6 crore as compared to the Rs 13.37 crore in Q2-2015, but declined 4.2 per cent as compared to the Rs18.38 crore in Q1-2016.

  • Box Office: ‘Hero’ collects Rs 20 crore in its opening weekend

    Box Office: ‘Hero’ collects Rs 20 crore in its opening weekend

    MUMBAI: The Sooraj Pancholi – Athiya Shetty starrer Hero does not work despite high promotion and solo release status. A botched up job, the film suffers from poor scripting followed by equally poor direction and lacking support from its musical score.

     

    The film opened with below average response and managed low collections on day one. While the collections failed to improve on Saturday, it managed to marginally pick up on Sunday. The film collected Rs 20.15 crore in its opening weekend and will find it tough to sustain through the week.

     

    Welcome Back does well in its first week thanks to its good opening weekend. The weekdays thereafter showed a marked decline. However, the film collects Rs 73.1 crore in its first week. The film stands to gain from poor opposition in its second week but may still have to struggle to make it to the Rs 100 crore mark.

     

    Phantom drops to about 10 per cent of its first week collection and adds just Rs 4.1 crore in its second week, which takes its two week tally to Rs 49.9 crore.

     

    Manji: The Mountain Man collects Rs 45 lakh in its third week taking its three week total to Rs 12.7 crore. The film’s box office run has practically come to an end.

     

    Bajrangi Bhaijaan collected Rs 25 lakh in its eighth week taking its total box office collections to Rs 318.1 crore. 

     

    Bahubali: The Beginning (Hindi-Dubbed) collected Rs 30 lakh in its ninth week taking its nine week total to Rs 109.6 crore.

  • Box office: ‘Welcome Back’ rakes in Rs 50.2 crore in opening weekend

    Box office: ‘Welcome Back’ rakes in Rs 50.2 crore in opening weekend

    MUMBAI: Welcome Back has clearly cashed in on its brand equity. However, it is not just the brand that has helped the film but its clean entertainer tag has made it generally acceptable. A zany comedy, it took an encouraging opening on Friday and, as expected, registered better figures on Saturday and Sunday on the strength of mouth publicity.

     

    The film belied trade estimates of about Rs 12 crore Friday at best and went on to collect over Rs 14 crore. The weekend tally stands at Rs 50.2 crore, which is healthy though the unnaturally high cost of the film’s making will always be hard to recoup.

     

    Phantom proves to be a dud at the box office. The film had decent figures to show only on its first Saturday it being a Raksha Bandhan holiday in parts of India. While collections remained static on the Sunday that followed, it started dropping drastically from Monday onwards and the Rs 33.2 crore weekend could not go beyond Rs 45.8 crore to show for the first week.

     

    Baaneky Ki Crazy Baraat proves to be a costly farce as the film sinks badly at the box office not even managing to cross a one crore mark in its first week stopping short at just about Rs 90 lakh.

     

    Kaun Kitney Paani Mein collects a poor Rs 30 lakh in its first week.

     

    Manjhi The Mountain Man holds well in its second week. Released on a limited screen engagement, the film adds Rs 2.8 crore in its second week to take its two week total to Rs 12.25 crore.

     

    All Is Well proves a total disaster managing to put together just about Rs 40 lakh in its second week to take its two week tally to Rs 14.3 crore.

     

    Brothers comes to the end of its not so impressive run with figures of Rs 65 lakh in its third week taking its three week total to Rs 77.35 crore.

     

    Drishyam collects another Rs 1.25 crore to take its five week total to Rs 81.2 crore.

     

    Bajrangi Bhaijaan collects Rs 50 lakh in its seventh week to take its seven week total to Rs 317.85 crore.

     

    Bahubali: The Beginning (Hindi-Dubbed) adds Rs 70 lakh in its eighth week taking its eight week tally to Rs 109.3 crore.

  • ‘Welcome Back:’ Welcome indeed

    ‘Welcome Back:’ Welcome indeed

    MUMBAI: Sequels enjoy a certain amount of brand equity. Welcome Back may have come eight years after it’s the first version, Welcome (2007), but the TV and video circuit nowadays helps the brand stay alive, especially in this case, since most of the main actors are same as in the original.

    Welcome Back has one more similarity with the original, which is that film retains the same story line as the original to the T, well almost.

    Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar are ex-dons who have given up the world of crime to live a normal life and are running a plush property in the UAE. As Nana never fails to mention, ‘Bhagwan ka diya hua sabkuchh hai,’ a dialogue he keeps repeating ad nauseam. They face many provocations but make all the effort to control their anger and trigger happy nature. Of course, it takes great restraint on Nana’s side as every time he is provoked, his blood pressure shoots up to an extent that the pressure gauge breaks its barrier!

    One fine day, Nana’s father (Nana again in a brief dual role), married thrice already, arrives out of the blue and hands over his daughter, Shruti Hassan, from his third wife, to Nana so that he can live his last days in peace. Actually, he wants to be free to check the prospects of his fourth marriage! Nana and Anil are emotionally blackmailed into looking after her and are on the look out for a good suitor to marry her off.

    Nana and Anil may have changed tracks but their reputation still follows them and when they approach Paresh Rawal and his wife, Supriya Karnik, the only decent family they know, with the proposal of Shruti for their son, John Abraham, he has no alternative but to say yes, albeit reluctantly out of fear of these ex-dons.

    Paresh never knew he had a son because John is Supriya’s son from her first marriage which, again, Paresh did not know about. However, being childless, he agrees to take his wife’s son as his own. However, he needs to meet ‘his’ son first and the couple embark on a trip to India only to discover that John is a local dada and everybody including the cops keep out of his way. Paresh is worked up at first but delighted at the same time that he finally has an answer to Nana and Anil’s muscle power.

    Not knowing Shruti is the one he is supposed to marry once in Dubai, John and Shruti have already fallen in love with each other in Mumbai. Nana and Anil are glad to find out that John is the son of Paresh. That is till John cuts these two ex-dons to size by thrashing all their goons. Humiliated, Nana and Anil decide to make sure John never gets Shruti. That is their revenge!

    Soon, another angle opens up. There is a super don above all of them in Naseeruddin Shah, who is called Wanted bhai. It so happens that his drug addict son, Shiney Ahuja, has fallen for Shruti too and keeps painting her portraits all the time. Shah is too powerful for Nana and Anil. But, they are happy that they are getting their revenge from John. While they make sure John is kept away from Shruti, John and Paresh along with Shruti, make their own plans to outwit them as well as Shah and Shiney.

    The process leads to a huge quagmire between three sides but is peppered with funny moments and witty dialogue. In fact, there is a sequence where Nana and Anil end up playing antakshari with imaginary ghosts in a cemetery! The climax is off the routine too and visually good. As in the original the hero saves the villains from death leading to the end of all feuds.

    Welcome Back has two plus points working for it: the casting of male characters and the dialogues; female casting, though, leaves much to be desired. But, then, when you have so many men to be paid, the producers need to cut costs somewhere. The male cast is all known for talent and a flair for comedy. John can be counted out since his role needs muscle flexing, which he does as and when needed. Music is a liability despite having five composers on the credit lists but the makers have tried to make it tolerable with choreography, which includes huge crowds and costly sets. Photography is decent. Some scenes have been stretched and could have done with sharper editing.

    As for performances, Anil, Nana, John, Shah, Paresh are in their element. Shiney is okay. Dimple is cast against her image but passes muster. Shruti is fair while Ankita Shrivastav is miscast and a no go. In fact, Surveen Chawala, who does an item song, has better presence.

    Welcome Back is an entertainer, which does not disappoint and with the decent opening response that it has received, it should be an entertainer for its makers too.

    Producers: Firoze Nadiadwala

    Director: Anees Bazmi

    Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia,Shiney Ahuja, Ankita Srivastav, Supriya Karnik

    ‘Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale:’ Old-fashioned fun

    Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale comes from a first time filmmaker, who decided to wield the megaphone after bouncing the idea around on other directors, convincing none. The idea was to make a musical love story but with melody makers at premium in the modern film music industry, the maker, Munnawar Bhagat, takes recourse to melodious hits from days of Shankar Jaikishan, Madan Mohan, Laxmikant Pyarelal and other such wizards and weaves a story around these songs.

    Vije Bhatia has landed in Mumbai to make a profession out of his hobby of singing. Mumbai is still in its 1960 era of Raj Kapoor films or so it seems. Vije is given shelter, love and care by people while he strives for his talent to be noticed. To this end, he turns a busker. He starts singing and strumming his guitar at street corners. Inevitably, a crowd gathers and dances and claps to his renditions wherever he sings. Once he starts a song, which is actually a duet and gets stuck when the female part is to be sung. The crowds jeer him as if they had paid for his performance! But, one of his fans who comes to listen to his songs every day, Krutika Gaekwad, fills the void by singing the female version.

    No filmmakers pass by Bhatia’s spot to discover him but a small time event manager, Arun Bakshi, does notice him. He was supposed to arrange some Anupji at Mrs Narang’s (Anju Mahendroo) party that evening but Anupji takes ill or maybe his flight never landed. He is convinced these two street singers can fill the gap. Reluctant at first, Anju is convinced to give them a chance. She has a makeover artist handy who turns the shabbily dressed singers into pop stars. Vije and Krutika enthral the guests and the host with melodious numbers from films of yore.

    The pair is hit and at the same party they are signed on for a few more parties. The inevitable happens. Both are attracted to each other. However, Krutika has a past that won’t allow her this romance. She has a husband, Aditya Panscholi, a mother-in-law, Kishori Shahane, and a daughter. Her husband is usually in jail and calls himself a local ‘dada’. Now out of jail, he sees new prosperity in his house and instantly takes to beating Krutika. She is banned from not only singing but even stepping out of the house. He is brutal, to say the least.

    While the first half is like a special episode of Chhayageet (once an immensely popular Doordarshan programme), the second half takes a detour to tell a story. The film takes a mushy turn for a while as melodies take a backseat till the climax.

    The film’s story is rather old-fashioned and what makes its only USP as a stream of old melodies. The script is contrived and the direction is amateurish. Cinematography is good. Dialogue is routine. Production values and props are patchy.

    Good performances come from Krutika and Kishori Shahane. Aditya is too loud. Arun and Anju are okay.

    Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale is fun to watch thanks to its old songs, that is if people bother going to the cinema to check it out.

    Producer: Munnawar Bhagat

    Director: Munnawar Bhagat

    Cast: Aditya Pancholi, Vije Bhatia, Krutika Gaekwad, Kishori Shahane, Arun Bakshi, Anju Mahendroo