JioHotstar Mumbai: JioStar, the joint venture between Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd and The Walt Disney Company,
JioHotstar
is making waves in the streaming industry with the launch of its new unified platform, JioHotstar.
This merger integrates JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single OTT platform, debuting today (February 14).
Revolutionizing the Subscription Model
JioHotstar aims to redefine content accessibility by offering free viewing of all content, excluding Hollywood films, for a limited number of hours each month.
This initiative seeks to expand its reach and allow users to explore a diverse range of programming.
“Our goal is to enable every consumer to extensively sample our content,” said Kiran Mani, CEO-Digital, JioStar.
“JioHotstar welcomes everyone to watch their favorite shows and matches without a subscription.
We want users to experience the platform fully—whether it’s a thrilling cricket match or a beloved TV series.”
Smooth Transition for Existing Subscribers
For Disney+ Hotstar’s current paid subscribers, the transition to JioHotstar will be seamless,
ensuring uninterrupted access. Meanwhile, JioCinema subscribers will be automatically upgraded to the premium service.
“Our pricing remains consistent—₹149 per quarter for mobile subscriptions and ₹499 per quarter for an ad-free experience,” said Kevin Vaz, CEO-Entertainment, JioStar.
“This stability is essential to prevent disruption for our loyal users.”
A Technological Leap Forward
The merger isn’t just about combining content libraries; it represents a technological evolution.
According to Mani, JioHotstar integrates various digital ecosystems—network, app,
andanalogueg technologies—into a single micro-app that adapts seamlessly across devices, from a two-inch smartphone screen to a 200-inch display.
“Our vision is to create moments that matter,” Mani explained.
“We want the app to be so intuitive that it feels tailor-made for each user. With our content and technology combined, we are confident in reaching a billion screens.”
Expanding Regional and Family-Centric Content
JioHotstar is also doubling down on regional and family-friendly programming.
The platform plans to expand South Indian content from 500 hours to 1,100 hours while heavily investing in original productions.
“We are not just focusing on high-budget blockbusters,” Vaz noted.
“Our commitment extends to a variety of content, including long-running TV serials and regional productions, ensuring there’s something for every audience segment across the country.”
With these strategic moves, JioHotstar is positioning itself as a game-changer in the Indian OTT landscape,
offering unparalleled content accessibility and an enhanced viewing experience for users nationwide.
