Dear Members,
The Board of Directors have pleasure in presenting the 30th Annual Report of
Balaji Telefilms Limited ("the Company"), along with the Audited
Financial Statements (standalone and consolidated) of the Company for the financial year
ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The salient features of the Company's financial statement for the year under review are
as follows:
( in Lacs)
PARTICULARS |
STANDALONE |
CONSOLIDATED |
2023-2024 |
2022-2023 |
2023-2024 |
2022-2023 |
Income from operations |
57,882.73 |
51,716.55 |
62,512.59 |
59,296.45 |
Less: Total expenditure |
51,104.06 |
47,057.91 |
57,914.96 |
61,206.57 |
Operating Profit/(Loss) |
6,778.67 |
4,658.64 |
4,597.63 |
(1,910.12) |
Less: Interest |
1,037.32 |
809.99 |
1,056.41 |
815.90 |
Less: Depreciation |
760.83 |
955.66 |
812.00 |
1,037.19 |
Operating Profit/(Loss) after interest and depreciation |
4,980.52 |
2,892.99 |
2,729.22 |
(3,763.21) |
Add: Other income |
327.47 |
2,378.58 |
598.52 |
1,344.19 |
Profit/(Loss) Before Tax |
5,307.99 |
5,271.57 |
3,327.74 |
(2,419.02) |
Less: Provision for taxation |
1,387.88 |
1,379.74 |
1,389.71 |
1,379.74 |
Net profit / (loss) after tax |
3,920.11 |
3,891.83 |
1,938.03 |
(3,798.76) |
Other Comprehensive Income/(loss) |
(2.91) |
3.57 |
(3.10) |
44.56 |
Less: Net loss attributable to Non-controlling |
- |
- |
(40.80) |
(85.14) |
Interest |
|
|
|
|
Net profit/(Loss) attributable to owners of the Company |
3,917.20 |
3,895.40 |
1,975.73 |
(3,669.06) |
Balance of retained earnings |
35,862.41 |
31,967.01 |
(36,352.60) |
(32,684.48) |
Impact of change in Ownership |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Transfer to retained earnings for employee share options (vested) |
- |
- |
- |
|
Sub Total |
39,779.61 |
35,862.41 |
(34,376.81) |
(36,353.48) |
Appropriations: |
|
|
|
|
Share issue expenses |
- |
- |
- |
0.88 |
Conversion of preference shares into equity |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Payment of dividend |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Dividend distribution tax |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Balance carried to balance sheet |
39,779.61 |
35,862.41 |
(34,376.81) |
(36,352.60) |
COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE
During the year under review, the Standalone Revenue from operations of the Company is
57,882.73 Lacs, the Company recorded a substantial increase of 12% over the previous
year's 51,716.55 Lacs. As regards the Consolidated Accounts, the total revenue from
operations has increased by 5.42% from
59,296.45 Lacs to 62,512.59 Lacs during the year. Your Company had a Net profit
3,920.11 Lacs during the year as compared to Net profitof 3,891.83 Lacs of previous
year. As per Consolidated Accounts, Net profit 1,938.03 Lacs against Net loss after tax
of 3,798.76
Lacs in previous year, registering turnaround on a consolidated basis.
Additional information regarding Company's business operations and state of Company's
affair is provided in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms an
integral part of the Annual Report.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as on March 31, 2024,
prepared in accordance with the relevant applicable Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS),
and the provisions of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations") and the
Companies Act, 2013, forms part of this Annual Report.
DIVIDEND
No dividend is proposed to be paid for the financial year 2023-24.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A detailed discussion on the business performance and state of affairs of the Company
is presented in the Management Discussion and Analysis Section of the Annual Report.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Directors of the Company do not propose to transfer any amount to the General
Reserve and an amount of 39,779.61 Lacs is proposed to be retained in the statement of
profit and loss account.
BORROWINGS
Ongoing cash credit facilities amounting to 5,000 Lacs from Axis Bank repayable on
demand at interest rate of 6.5% Repo + 3% equaling to a total interest of 9.5% per annum
payable at monthly intervals.
The Company has outstanding loan at year end amounting to 3,000 Lacs and 3,500 Lacs
from its related parties namely Tusshar Infra Developers
Private Limited and Pantheon Buildcon Private Limited respectively, at interest rate of
9.5% per annum, repayable on demand.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on March 31, 2024 is
20,30,57,936/- (Rupees Twenty Crores Thirty Lacs Fifty-Seven Thousand
Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six only). Of the total paid up share capital of the Company,
34.21% is held by Promoters and Promoter Group and balance of 65.79% is held by persons
other than Promoters and Promoter Group, out of which majority is in dematerialized form.
The Company has neither issued shares with differential voting rights nor granted sweat
equity shares.
During the year under review, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, vide circular resolution passed on February 27, 2024, approved
the allotment of 398,525 equity shares of 2/- each, upon exercise of options granted to
employee under the Balaji Telefilms ESOP 2017. Accordingly, there has been an increase in
the paid-up capital from 20,22,60,886 comprising of 10,11,30,443 Equity Shares of 2/-
each, and the paid-up capital as at the end of the financial year 2023-2024 stood at
20,30,57,936 comprising of 10,15,28,968 Equity Shares of 2/- each.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
During the year under review, your Company has not accepted or renewed any amount
falling within the purview of provisions of Section 73 of the Companies
Act, 2013 ("the Act") read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposit) Rules,
2014. There are no outstanding deposits at the end of the financial year 2023-24. Hence,
the requirement for furnishing of details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of
the Act and the details of deposits which are not in compliance with the Chapter V of the
Act is not applicable.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR
INVESTMENTS
Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 forms part of the notes to the Financial
Statements provided in this Annual Report.
CHANGE IN REGISTERED OFFICE OR NATURE OF
BUSINESS
There was no change in the Registered Office or nature of business of the Company
during the year under review.
SUBSIDIARIES
As on March 31, 2024, your Company has the following Subsidiaries, the latest audited
financial statements of the below subsidiaries can be accessed at https://www.balajitelefilms.com/forthe-financial-year-ended-march-31-2024.php:
1. BALAJI MOTION PICTURES LIMITED (BMPL)
BMPL is into the business of distribution of motion pictures and films. It is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
2. ALT DIGITAL MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED (ALT Digital)
The Company's direct-to' consumer digital content business is housed under ALT
Digital.
The Company focuses on creating original and exclusive content for India's Digital
Audience.
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. ALT Digital continues to be a material
subsidiary of the Company. Further, in compliance with Regulation 24A (1) of SEBI (Listing
Obligation and Disclosure Requirement) Regulations, 2015, the Secretarial Audit Report of
ALT Digital for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 forms part of this Annual Report.
3. MARINATING FILMS PRIVATE LIMITED (MFPL)
MFPL is the creator producer of reality shows and events. MFPL is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company.
4. DING INFINITY PRIVATE LIMITED (DING)
Ding became a Subsidiary of Balaji Telefilms Limited w.e.f. May 25, 2021 pursuant to
acquisition of 55% stake by the Company. The Members are requested to note that
considering the various benefits and with a view to streamline operations under the
Holding Company's umbrella, aiming to bolster overall business efficiency by eliminating
redundancies and leveraging synergies, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on
February 09, 2024 accorded in-principle approval for proposed amalgamation of ALT
Digital Media Entertainment Limited and Marinating Films Private Limited, Wholly owned
Subsidiaries of the Company, with Balaji Telefilms Limited (Holding Company), subject to
such regulatory and other approvals, as may be required.
Further, the Board at their subsequent meeting held on May 30, 2024 approved the
Composite Scheme of Arrangement between ALT Digital Media
Entertainment Limited (First Transferor Company'),
Marinating Films Private Limited (Second Transferor Company'), Wholly owned
Subsidiaries of the Company, Balaji Telefilms Limited (Transferee
Company'), and their respective shareholders subject to: (i) sanction of Hon'ble
National Company Law Tribunal, Official Liquidator, Registrar of Companies, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs and such other authorities as may be necessary; (ii) approval of
shareholders and/or creditors of the respective companies, if required; and (iii) any
other statutory/ regulatory approval, as may be required. In compliance with Section
129(3) and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013, read with
rules made thereunder, a separate statement highlighting the financial statements of
subsidiaries of the Company are detailed in the prescribed Form AOC-1, which forms part of
the
Consolidated Financial Statements and is appended as Annexure I to the Board's
Report.
There has been no material change in the nature of business of the subsidiaries.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Audited Financial
Statements, including the Consolidated Financial Statement and related information of the
Company, and the audited accounts of each of its subsidiaries, are available at https://www.balajitelefilms.com/subsidiary-financial-information.php
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
The applicable financialyear disclosures for the ended March 31, 2024, as required to
be given under SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021
with respect to Balaji Telefilms ESOP Scheme, 2023 is available on the website of the
Company at: https://www.balajitelefilms.com/pdf/esop_ details_2023.pdf
During the year, there has not been any material change in the ESOP Scheme adopted by
the Company. The Balaji Telefilms ESOP Scheme, 2023 was approved by the shareholders by
means of Postal Ballot on March 29, 2023, and the said Scheme is in compliance with the
aforementioned ESOP Regulations. During the year under review, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, vide circular resolution passed on February 27, 2024, approved
the allotment of 398,525 equity shares of 2/- each, upon exercising the options granted
to employee under the Balaji Telefilms ESOP 2017.
Members seeking to inspect certificate from AVS &
Associates, Company Secretaries, the Secretarial Auditors of the Company, with respect
to the implementation of ESOP Scheme, are required to send an email to investor@balajitelefilms.com
.
ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013, the Annual Return of the Company as on March 31, 2024 in the prescribed form
is available on the website of the Company at: http://www.
balajitelefilms.com/annual_return.php
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, 4 (Four) meetings of the Board of Directors were held on
May 30, 2023, August 10, 2023, November 09, 2023 and February 09, 2024; the relevant
details of the meetings are forming part of the Corporate Governance Report which is an
integral part of this Annual Report. The intervening gap between two Board Meetings did
not exceed 120 days. A calendar of meetings for every year is prepared and approved by the
Directors in advance, to facilitate participation at the Board/ Committee meetings.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
In compliance with the requirements of the Companies
Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015,
the Board had constituted various statutory Board Committees including Audit Committee,
Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders' Relationship Committee, Corporate
Social Responsibility Committee and Risk Management Committee. Details of scope,
constitution, terms of reference, number of meetings held during the year under review
along with attendance of Committee Members therein forms part of the Corporate Governance
Report which is an integral part of the Annual Report.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (KMP) & SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (SMP)
The Members are requested to take note of the following changes in the Directors during
the financial year ended March 31, 2024, and post closure of financial year, till the date
of this Report:
Mr. Ramesh Sippy (DIN: 00652881), Non-Executive Director, stepped down from his
position effective closing of business hours on April 26, 2023, due to personal reasons.
Mrs. Shobha Kapoor (DIN: 00005124) was reappointed as the Managing Director of the
Company, effective November 10, 2023 for a period of 5 (five) years, in accordance with
the Special Resolution passed by the shareholders at the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
held on August 17, 2023. Further, the shareholders at the said AGM also approved the terms
of reappointment and remuneration payable to her for a period of 3 years.
Ms. Ektaa R. Kapoor (DIN: 00005093) was reappointed as the Joint Managing Director of
the Company, effective November 10, 2023 for a period of 5 (five) years, in accordance
with the Special Resolution passed by the shareholders at the 29th Annual General Meeting
(AGM) held on August 17, 2023. Further, the shareholders at the said AGM also approved the
terms of reappointment and remuneration payable to her for a period of 3 years.
The Board of Directors, basis the recommendations made by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of Mr. Ashutosh Khanna (DIN: 03153990) as
an Additional Director (Non Executive Independent) of the Company, effective February 09,
2024. The said appointment was regularized and duly approved by the shareholders vide
Special resolution passed by Postal Ballot on May 08, 2024.
The tenure of Mr. D.G. Rajan (DIN: 00303060) and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sarda (DIN:
00021405), Independent Directors of the Company, expired at closing of business hours on
March 31, 2024.
The tenure of Mr. Devender Kumar Vasal (DIN: 06858991), Independent Director of the
Company, expired at closing of business hours on May 14, 2024.
The Board of Directors, basis the recommendations made by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of Mr. Rohit Jain (DIN: 01684970) as an
Additional Director (Non Executive
Independent) Director of the Company, effective
May 28, 2024.
The Board of Directors, basis the recommendations made by the Nomination and
Remuneration
Committee, approved the appointment of
Mr. Avijit Mukerji (DIN: 03534116) as an Additional Director (Non Executive
Independent) Director of the Company, effective May 28, 2024.
The Board places on record its appreciation for the invaluable contribution, guidance,
and strategic vision provided by Mr. D.G. Rajan, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sarda and Mr. Devender
Kumar Vasal during their tenure as Independent Director of the Company. The Members are
also informed about the following changes in the Key Managerial Personnel/Senior
Management Personnel, which took place during the year under review:
Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Chief Executive Officer (designated as Group CEO) of the Company
stepped down from his position w.e.f. closure of business hours on June 15, 2023, due to
personal reasons.
The Board approved appointment of
Mr. Sanjay Dwivedi, Group CFO, as the Group Chief Operating Officer (Group COO), in
addition to his current role as Group CFO, effective August 10, 2023.
The Board approved appointment of
Mr. Vivek Koka, as the Chief Business Officer- Films Division (CBO-Films Division) of
the
Company, in addition to his current role as the
Chief Business Officer of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Limited, Subsidiary Company,
effective November 09, 2023.
Ms. Gauri Sathe, who was forming part of the Senior Management, tendered resignation
from the position of Executive V.P. Creative, with effect from closing of business hours
on December 11, 2023, due to personal reasons.
Further, the following matters are being presented for consideration and approval of
the Members at the 30th Annual General Meeting:
Pursuant to Section 152 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act,
2013, read with the Companies (Appointment and
Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 (including or re-enactment(s)
anystatutorymodification(s) thereof for the time being in force), Regulation 17(1)(A) and
other applicable Regulations, if any, of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr.
Jeetendra Kapoor (DIN: 00005345), Chairman, Non-Executive Director, aged 82 years, is
liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM) and being
eligible, seeks re-appointment. Appropriate resolution for his re-appointment is being
placed for the approval of the Members of the Company at the ensuing AGM. The brief resume
of the Director and other related information has been detailed in the Notice convening
the 30th AGM of the Company.
The Board of Directors, basis the recommendations made by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of Mr. Rohit Jain (DIN: 01684970) as an
Additional Director (Non Executive Independent) of the Company, effective May 28, 2024.
Appropriate resolution for his appointment as Non-Executive Independent Director is being
placed for the approval of the Members of the Company at the ensuing AGM. The Board
recommends his appointment as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company. The brief
resume of the Director and other related information has been detailed in the Notice
convening the 30th AGM of the Company.
The Board of Directors, basis the recommendations made by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of Mr. Avijit Mukerji (DIN: 03534116) as
an Additional Director (Non Executive Independent) of the Company, effective May 28, 2024.
Appropriate resolution for his appointment as Non-Executive Independent Director is being
placed for the approval of the Members of the Company at the ensuing AGM. The Board
recommends his appointment as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company. The brief
resume of the Director and other related information has been detailed in the Notice
convening the 30th AGM of the Company.
In keeping with Regulation 17(1D) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board of
Directors, basis the recommendation made by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
approved continuation of directorship of Ms. Jyoti Deshpande (DIN 02303283). Ms. Jyoti
Deshpande was appointed as an Additional
Non- Executive Director effective March 23, 2018 and the said appointment was approved
by the Members of the Company at the Annual General Meeting held on August 31, 2018.
Appropriate resolution for continuation of her term as a Non-Executive Director, as
required to be passed pursuant to aforesaid Regulation, is being placed for the approval
of the Members of the Company at the ensuing AGM. The brief resume of the Director and
other related information has been detailed in the Notice convening the 30th
AGM of the Company.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
As at the end of the financial year, there were 5 (Five) Non-Executive Independent
Directors on the Board of the Company.
The Company has received necessary declaration from all Independent Directors under
Section
149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, confirming that they meet the criteria of
independence laid down in Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16 and
25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. All the
Independent Directors are duly registered with the
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Further, the Independent Directors have
also affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the Company. The Board is of
the opinion that the
Independent Directors of the Company hold the highest standards of integrity and
possess requisite expertise, proficiency and experience required to fulfil their duties as
Independent Directors.
During the year under review, a separate meeting of the Independent Directors was held
on
August 10, 2023.
MECHANISM FOR EVALUATING BOARD
MEMBERS
One of the key functions of the Board is to monitor and review the Board evaluation
framework. The Board in consultation with the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee lays down the evaluation criteria for the performance evaluation of
Executive/Non-Executive and Independent Directors. The questionnaire of the survey is a
key part of the process of reviewing the functioning and effectiveness of the Board and
for identifying possible paths for improvement. The evaluation is carried out on an annual
basis, and feedback from each Director with the suggestions is encouraged. The evaluation
process focuses on effectiveness of the Board, Board dynamics, Board
Meetings and procedures, Committee effectiveness, succession planning and flow of
information to the
Board and Committees.
The following are some of the parameters on the basis of which the Directors are
evaluated:
1) Knowledge to perform the role;
2) Time and Level of Participation;
3) Performance of Duties and Level of Oversight;
4) Professional Conduct and Independence etc.
EVALUATION OF BOARD, COMMITTEES AND INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS
The Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 provides that an annual performance evaluation of Directors should be
carried out by the Directors. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee carries out review
of the performance of the Board of Directors, based on feedback received from the
Directors. The evaluation of the Board as a whole, its Committees and Individual Directors
including
Executive Director, Non-Executive Director and Independent Director was conducted based
on the criteria and framework adopted by the Board. The Board takes note of the evaluation
process results as collated by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Company.
AUDITORS STATUTORY AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Members at
the 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 18, 2022 approved the
appointment of Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
no. 117366W/ W-100018) as the Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of 5 (five)
years, till the conclusion of the AGM to be held for the financialyear
2026-27. Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants, have confirmed that
they are not disqualified as per Section 141of the Companies Act, 2013 from continuing as
Auditors of the Company. The Report given by the Statutory Auditors on the financial
statements of the Company is part of this Report. Except as appearing hereunder, the said
Audit Report furnished by the Statutory Auditors, does not contain any other
qualification, reservation, disclaimer or observation. The necessary explanation or
comments from the Board and Management response to the Auditor's qualification/observation
is also appearing below:
The Company has made investments in a subsidiary, ALT Digital Media Entertainment
Limited
(ALT Digital) aggregating to 79,557 Lacs, provided loans amounting (including
interest accrued thereon) aggregating to 10,297 Lacs and have trade receivables
outstanding to 1,781 Lacs as at March 31, 2024.
The subsidiary has been consistently making losses, which has resulted in substantial
erosion of its net-worth, with current liabilities exceeding its current assets for the
past few years. As stated in the note, the management of the subsidiary has implemented
alternate business strategies, on the basis of which, business projections were provided
over the past years in support of assessment of valuation of the subsidiary's business.
However, considering the actual performance of the subsidiary, it has been consistently
unable to meet its business projections by a significant margin.
In view of the above and in the absence of sufficient appropriate evidence to support
the business projections, which are an integral part of valuation of investment in the
subsidiary, carried out by the management in the current year, we are unable to determine
whether any adjustments are necessary to the carrying amount of the Company's investment
in its subsidiary, its loans outstanding (including interest accrued) and receivables from
its subsidiary as at March 31, 2024 and the consequential impact, if any, of the above on
the financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended March 31, 2024. Response:
cost cutting measures
The Company has investment in equity shares of a subsidiary,
namely,ALTDigitalMediaEntertainment growth in EBIDTA in future years.
Limited (ALT Digital) amounting to 79,557 Lacs as at March 31, 2024. Further, as at
March 31, 2024, the Company has outstanding trade receivables and loans given amounting to
1,781 Lacs and 10,297 Lacs respectively. As per the audited financial statements the
net-worth of ALT Digital as at March 31, 2024 is 7,773 Lacs.
Since March 2019 the Company carries out an annual review of the valuation of ALT
Digital at each year-end. For the financial year ended March 31, 2024, the Company engaged
independent valuation experts, Big4, to carry out the enterprise valuation of ALT Digital.
In performing the valuation, the experts have independently tested the business assumption
for these projections and have factored the performance of financial year 23-24. Based on
the valuation performed, the experts independently valued ALT Digital at 32% premium to
its carrying cost at 1,20,990 Lacs.
In the previous years, ALT Digital has focused on cost rationalization, right sizing of
staff and reducing the cash burn, focused performance marketing resulting into positive
operating cash inflow. ALT Digital now emphasizes a studio-centric approach, producing
high-quality shows that will be distributed not only on its platform but also across other
OTT apps. This strategic shift ensures better cash flows and profitability. The efforts of
management are reflective of improved operating performance of ALT Digital. The EBITDA
losses have been consistently reducing from 13,555 Lacs in financial year 21-22 to
6,591 Lacs (51% reduction) in financial year 22-23 to 2,104 Lacs in financial As on
March 31, 2024, ALT Digital also has liquid investments in Mutual Fund of 1,950 Lacs.
ALT Digital continues to work on it's business plan to drive its subscription business,
foray into Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD) model and has an order book of over 23,000
Lacs of web-series for the leading OTT platforms, syndication/licenses of the content and
definitive agreement are in place for over 10,000 Lacs. The Management is hopeful that
these efforts will yield further positive results in the coming year.
ALT Digital has maintained a steady run-rate of revenue and undertaken significant and
any improvement on timelines is expected to have significant
Also, ALT Digital has started its own shows for ALTT platform which is a new addition
from previous years to boost the Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) sales coupled with
enhanced performance marketing spend. A leading professional agency has been hired to
drive the customer acquisition and also AVOD and Meta platform revenue. This agency also
manages many other leading platforms for this line of revenue.
Accordingly, the management of ALT Digital has plans in place to ensure successful
execution of its strategies incorporating learnings of the previous year. There is lag in
meeting the targets in the last six months, primarily due to delays in certain shows by
the leading OTT platform, the delivery of it is expected in financial year 24-25. The
management is confident of covering the shortfall in coming year with enhanced content and
marketing and continuing the cost efficiency built in the previous year.
The Board of Directors of the Company had given an in-principle approval to merge ALT
into the Company at its meeting held on February 09, 2024. At their meeting held on May
30, 2024, the Board of Directors have approved the Scheme of Arrangement for the said
merger, subject to such approvals as may be required. Basis the business plans provided by
the management of ALT Digital, which have been validated by an independent valuation
specialist for the purpose of determining enterprise value of ALT Digital, as well as
considering the future merger plan of ALT Digital with the Company, the management is of
the view that there is no adjustment required to the carrying value of the Company's
investment in ALT Digital together with amounts loaned to ALT Digital and trade
receivables from ALT Digital. The Company's revised strategy, profitability l year
2023-partner deals, and favorable macroeconomic conditions position it well for both the
near and long-term future. Overall, the Company remains optimistic about its prospects in
the dynamic OTT landscape.
Also, the Statutory Auditor in their report on standalone and consolidated financial
statements have included Emphasis of Matter drawing Members attention to Note No. 49 and
Note No. 51 of standalone and consolidated financial statements respectively, in
connection with receivables from one of its co-producer and a film Director.
The "Undisputed GST liability" as mentioned in clause 3(vii)(b) of CARO
report, pertains to "Unbilled Revenue" under GST law. In our considered view,
GST liability of the Company arises only when the invoices are raised on the counter
parties.
Subsequently, Invoice has been raised and GST liability is booked.
COST AUDIT
In accordance with Companies (Cost Records and
Audit) Rules, 2014, Cost Audit is not applicable to the Company. Accordingly, there was
no requirement for maintenance of relevant records by the Company.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board appointed
AVS & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the
Company for the financial year 2023-24.
Secretarial Audit Report issued by AVS & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries
in Form No. MR-3 for the financial year 2023-24 is appended as Annexure II to the
Board's Report. The said Report does not contain any qualification, reservation,
disclaimer or observation requiring explanation or comments from the Board under Section
134(3) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT OF UNLISTED MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY
Secretarial Audit Report of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Limited ("ALT
Digital/Unlisted Material Subsidiary Company") issued by AVS & Associates,
Practicing Company Secretaries, in Form No. MR-3 24 is appended as for the Annexure III
to the Board's Report.
The said Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, disclaimer or
observation, except that there is no Woman Director on the Board which is required to be
appointed under Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder; and
there is no Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer Board which is required to be
appointed under Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR
ADEQUACY
In terms of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company works with internal control
systems commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations.
The Board has adopted the policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and
efficient control of its business including adherence to the Company's policies, the
safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds, errors, reporting
mechanisms, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and timely preparation
of reliable financial disclosures. To maintain objectivity and independence, the Internal
Auditors report directly to the Audit Committee. Based on the report of the Internal
Auditors, process owners undertake corrective action, wherever required. Significant
observations and corrective actions needed or taken are presented to the Audit Committee.
During the financial year 2023-24, such controls were tested and no reportable material
weakness in the design or operation was observed.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has been practicing the principles of good Corporate Governance over the
years and it is a continuous and ongoing process. A detailed Report on Corporate
Governance practices followed by our Company in terms of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015, together with a Certificate from the AVS
& Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, confirming compliance with the
conditions of
Corporate Governance are provided separately in this Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015, top 1000 listed entities based on market capitalization are required to
furnish Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). However, as the Company
does not fall under the list of top
1000 Companies basis Market Capitalization, the requirement of furnishing BRSR is not
applicable upon the Company for the financial year 2023-24.
POLICIES ADOPTED BY THE COMPANY: a) VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company promotes ethical behavior in all its business activities and has put in
place a mechanism of reporting illegal or unethical behavior. The Company has a Vigil
Mechanism/ Whistle Blower Policy wherein the employees are free to report violations of
laws, rules, regulations or unethical conduct to their immediate supervisor or such other
person as may be notified by the Management to the work groups. The confidentiality of
those reporting the violations is maintained and they are not subjected to any
discriminatory practice. The Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is also posted on the
website of the Company at http://www.balajitelefilms.com/whistle-blower-policy.php.
b) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
POLICY AND INITIATIVES
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has been entrusted with the
responsibility of formulating and recommending to the Board, a Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) Policy indicating the activities to be undertaken by the
Company, monitoring the implementation of the framework of the CSR Policy and
recommending the amount to be spent on CSR activities. The CSR Policy of the Company is
also posted on the website of the Company which may be accessed at http://www.balajitelefilms.com/
corporate-social-responsibility.php.
The Annual Report on CSR activities is annexed here with as Annexure IV to the
Board's Report. c) NOMINATION & REMUNERATION POLICY
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has framed a policy which inter-alia provides
the matters to be dealt with and considered by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
procedure for succession of Directors and
Key Managerial Personnel, selection and appointment of Directors including determining
qualifications and independence of a Director, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management
Personnel and their remuneration etc. as part of its charter, and other matters provided
under
Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The policy may be accessed at our website at https://www.
balajitelefilms.com/pdf/NRC%20Policy%20 last%20amended%20January%2017,%20 2023.pdf. d)
POLICY ON MATERIAL SUBSIDIARIES
The Company's Policy on material subsidiaries is available on the Company's website and
can be accessed at the link: http://www.balajitelefilms.
for%20determining%20Material%20 Subsidiary_24052019.pdf. e) RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Pursuant to Regulation 17(9) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy, which
inter-alia provides for the identification of risk, if any, to the Company's operations
and growth. The said Policy is reviewed by the Risk Management Committee from
time-to-time, in accordance with the requirements of aforesaid Regulation.
The Board of Directors does not foresee any immediate risk of this nature.
The details of the Risk Management Policy of the Company are available on the website
of the
Company at https://www.balajitelefilms.com/ pdf/RISK%20MANAGEMENT%20POLICY.pdf f)
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS POLICY
In line with the requirements of the Companies
Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015,
your Company has formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions which is also available
on the Company's website at https:// www.balajitelefilms.com/pdf/RPT%20
Policy%20last%20amended%20Feb%20 11,%202022.pdf. The Policy intends to ensure that
proper reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions
between the Company and Related Parties. g) PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT
WORKPLACE
Your Company strongly believes in providing a safe and harassment free workplace for
each and every individual working for the Company through various interventions and
practices. It is the continuous endeavour of the Management of the Company to create and
provide an environment to all its employees that is free from discrimination and
harassment including sexual harassment.
The Company has in place a Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Policy in line
with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints Committee and Apex Committee
have been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. All employees
are covered under this policy. During the financial year ended March 31, 2024, no
complaint pertaining to sexual harassment was received by the Company. h) DIVIDEND
DISTRIBUTION POLICY
The Dividend Distribution Policy adopted by the Company is available at https://
www.balajitelefilms.com/pdf/Dividend%20 Distribution%20Policy.pdf i) POLICY ON
DETERMINATION OF MATERIALITY
OF EVENTS
In line with the requirements of SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, your Company has formulated
a Policy for determination of materiality of event, which is available on the Company's
website at https://www. balajitelefilms.com/pdf/Materiality%20
Policy%20last%20amended%20August%20 10,%202023.pdf. During the year under review, the
policy was revised by the Board of
Directors, in line with the amendments made in SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
In addition to the aforesaid policies, few other policies as required by the Companies
Act, 2013 or rules made thereunder, and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 have been adopted by the Company.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY WHICH
HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE COMPANY TO WHICH THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS RELATE AND THE DATE OF THE
REPORT
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on
May 30, 2024 approved the Composite Scheme of Arrangement between ALT Digital Media
Entertainment Limited (First Transferor Company'),
Marinating Films Private Limited (Second Transferor Company'), Wholly owned
Subsidiaries of the Company, Balaji Telefilms Limited (Transferee
Company'), and their respective shareholders subject to: (i) sanction of Hon'ble
National Company Law Tribunal, Official Liquidator, Registrar of Companies, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs and such other authorities as may be necessary; (ii) approval of
shareholders and/or creditors of the respective companies, if required; and (iii) any
other statutory/ regulatory approval, as may be required. Other than above, there were no
material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company which
occurred between the end of the financial year to which this financial statement relates
on the date of this Report.
OTHER DISCLOSURES i) CANCELLATION OF EXTRA ORDINARY
GENERAL MEETING
During the year under review, an Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EOGM) of the Members
of the Company was proposed to be held on March 06, 2024, to inter-alia consider and
approve issuance of up to 2,38,83,930 warrants on a Preferential Basis to Promoter &
Other Entities belonging to the Non-Promoter Category at a price of 89.60/- per warrant.
However, the Board of Directors of the Company on March 03, 2024, resolved to cancel the
said EOGM as a matter of abundant caution, to remain compliant with the applicable laws,
on becoming aware that the ultimate beneficial owner of one of the proposed allottee was
under investigation by Directorate of Enforcement. ii) REPORTING OF FRAUDS BY AUDITORS
During the year under review, neither the Statutory Auditors nor the Secretarial
Auditors have reported to the Board or Audit Committee, as required under Section
134(3)(ca) and 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, any instances of frauds committed
against the
Company by its officers or employees, the details of which would need to be mentioned
in this Report.
iii) SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company complies with all the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). iv) DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 197(12)
AND
RULE 5 OF THE COMPANIES (APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL) RULES,
2014
The requisite details containing the names and other particulars of employees in
accordance with the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with
Rule 5(1) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is appended as Annexure V to the Board's
Report.
Further, the requisite details relating to the remuneration of the specified employees
covered under Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are also
appearing at Annexure V to the Board's Report. v) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All Related Party transactions entered during the year were placed before the Audit
Committee for review and approval. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for Related Party
Transactions on an annual basis for transactions which are of repetitive nature and / or
entered in the ordinary course of business and are at arm's length basis. All Related
Party Transactions entered during the year were in ordinary course of the business and on
arm's length basis except letting out of premises to wholly owned Subsidiary Companies
(viz. Balaji Motion Pictures Limited, ALT Digital Media Entertainment Limited and
Marinating Films Private Limited) for using it as its Registered office on an on-going
basis without charging any rent. The details of Related Party Transactions have been
disclosed in Note No. 44 to the financial statements. Further, the information on
transactions with related parties pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013
read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure VI in
Form AOC-2 and the same forms part of the Board's report.
During the financial year 2023-24, there has been no materially significant Transaction
between theCompanyand/orits and material orders related parties. The Members are requested
to note that the Company advanced loan to
Alt Digital Media Entertainment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
which is a material transaction in terms of
Regulation 23 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015.
The necessary details of loan advanced are forming part of the Financial Statements. vi)
BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has in place Risk Management Policy, pursuant to the provisions of Section
134 of the Companies Act, 2013. The risk management framework enables identification and
evaluation of business risks and opportunities, seeks to create transparency, minimize
adverse impact on business objectives and enhance the Company's competitive advantage.
Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through
mitigation actions on a periodic basis.
Also, the Company has a Risk Management
Committee which meets at regular intervals to oversee related matters. vii) INVESTOR
EDUCATION AND PROTECTION
FUND (IEPF)
In terms of the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Investor
Education and Protection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, measures
are taken to reduce
349,981.20/- of unpaid/unclaimed dividend was transferred during the financial year
to the Investor Education and Protection Fund. Details of unpaid/unclaimed dividend are
available at https://ris.kfintech.com/services/IEPF/ IEPFInfo.aspx?q=OQ8HMfJOuy4%3d
As on the date of this Report, Ms. Tannu Sharma, Company Secretary, is the Nodal
Officer appointed by the Company under the provisions of IEPF Rules. The details are
available at https://www.balajitelefilms.com/nodal-php. viii) During the year under
review, the Company has not issued any equity shares or shares with differential voting
rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise. ix) There are no significant passed by
the Regulators/Courts which would impact the going status of the Company & its future
operations. x) The Managing Director /Joint Managing
Director of the Company has not received any remuneration or commission from any of the
subsidiary companies. xi) During the year under review, there was no revision of
financial statements and Board's Report of the Company. xii) No application has
been made under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code; hence the requirement to disclose the
details of any application made, or any proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 is not applicable for the year under review. xiii) The
requirement to disclose the details of any difference between the valuation done at the
time of a one-time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from banks or
financial institutions, along with the reasons thereof, is not applicable for this year.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION
A. ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN
BY THE COMPANY
The provisions of Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to conservation
of energy do not apply to the Company. However, significant energy consumption by using
energy-efficient computers and by purchasing energy efficient equipment. We purchase
computers, laptops, air conditioners etc. that meet environmental standards, higher star
rating wherever possible and regularly upgrade old equipment with more equipment.
Currently, we use energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures to reduce the power
consumption in the illumination system.
B. TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
The provisions of Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to technology
absorption do not apply to the Company. The
Company's research and development initiative mainly consists of ideation of new
subjects for our content production business, which are used in the creation of new
storyline and tracks. The expenses incurred on such initiatives are not practically
quantifiable. The Company is an integrated player in the entertainment industry and our
business is such that there is limited scope for new technology absorption, adaptation and
innovation. However, the
Company uses the latest technology, wherever possible to deliver superior production
value, as a regular process.
As per the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) notification, proviso to Rule 3(1) of
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, for the financial year commencing April 01, 2023,
every company which uses accounting software for maintaining its books of account, shall
use only such accounting software which has a feature of recording audit trail of each and
every transaction, creating an edit log of each change made in the books of account along
with the date when such changes were made and ensuring that the audit trail cannot be
disabled.
The Company uses an accounting software for maintaining its books of account which has
a feature of recording audit trail (edit log) facility. Refer Note 59 of Standalone
Financial Statements.
C. FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The foreign exchange earnings in terms of actual inflows is 48.18 Lacs (Previous Year
179.39 Lacs) and the foreign exchange outgo in terms of actual outflows is 88.63
Lacs (Previous Year 18.60 Lacs).
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and
explanations obtained by them, Directors make the following statements in terms of Section
134(3) and Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013: a) In the preparation of the annual
accounts for ended the March 31, 2024, the applicable accounting standards had been
followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any; b) The
Directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made
judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the
profit and loss of the Company for the year under review; c) Proper and sufficient care
had been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities; d) The annual accounts for the
financial year ended March 31, 2024 had been prepared on a going concern' basis; e)
The Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and
that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; f) The
Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Board places on record its deep appreciation to all employees for their hard work,
dedication, unstinted efforts and commitment. The Board places on record its appreciation
for the support and cooperation the Company has been receiving from its customers,
suppliers and Bankers.
The Board also take this opportunity to thank all
Shareholders, Investors, Business Associates,
Government and Regulatory Authorities and Stock Exchanges, for their continued support.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/- |
Jeetendra Kapoor |
Chairman |
(DIN: 00005345) |
Place: Mumbai |
Date: May 30, 2024 |