MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms Ltd's net profit rose 50.81 per cent to Rs 170.16 million in the quarter ended 30 September 2005 as against Rs 112.83 million in the corresponding year-ago period.

Total income increased to Rs 714.20 million from 467.70 million during this period. Operating profit stood at Rs 282.80 million, up 59.69 per cent from Rs 177.10 million a year ago.

The increase in net profit was partly due to the rate hike of some of the serials on Star Plus based on their television ratings points (TRPs) during the quarter. The average realisation per hour increased to Rs 1.33 mn per hour, an increase of 26.26 per cent.

Revenue contribution from commissioned programming was Rs 606.35 mn, up 28 per cent quarter-on-quarter. Sponsored programming was at Rs 93.04 million, up 6.6 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

During the period, Balaji Telefilms invested Rs 46.4 mn in production and post-production equipments and studios to meet the increased programming requirements.