JioStar Unveils Powerful JioHotstar Platform, Merging JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar : In a landmark move set to redefine India’s digital entertainment landscape, JioStar—a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India—has officially launched JioHotstar. This new streaming platform seamlessly merges the extensive libraries of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, aiming to offer an unparalleled viewing experience to over 500 million users nationwide.
A Unified Entertainment Powerhouse
JioHotstar emerges as a formidable entity in the Indian OTT (Over-The-Top) space, boasting a staggering 300,000 hours of diverse content. This includes a rich blend of domestic productions and international offerings from renowned studios such as Disney, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Warner Bros., Discovery, HBO, and Paramount. The platform’s vast repository ensures that viewers have access to a wide array of genres, catering to varied tastes and preferences.
Leadership Speaks
Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital at JioStar, articulated the platform’s mission: “At the core of JioHotstar is a powerful vision—to make premium entertainment truly accessible to all Indians. Our promise of ‘Infinite Possibilities’ ensures that entertainment is no longer a privilege but a shared experience for all.” This commitment is further underscored by the platform’s integration of AI-driven recommendations and support for streaming in over 19 languages, enhancing personalization and inclusivity.
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Subscription Plans Tailored for All
Understanding the diverse economic landscape of its user base, JioHotstar offers a range of subscription plans designed to cater to various needs:
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Mobile Plan: Priced at ₹149 for three months or ₹499 annually, this plan is tailored for single-device users, allowing streaming on mobile devices at 720p resolution with stereo sound.
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Super Plan: At ₹299 for three months or ₹899 per year, subscribers can enjoy content on up to two devices, including TVs, laptops, and mobiles, with Full HD (1080p) streaming and Dolby Atmos sound.
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Premium Plan (Ad-Free): For ₹499 quarterly or ₹1,499 annually, this top-tier plan offers streaming on four devices simultaneously, featuring 4K (2160p) resolution, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos sound. While the experience is predominantly ad-free, live sports and events may include advertisements.
Existing subscribers of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will transition seamlessly to JioHotstar. Disney+ Hotstar users will retain their current plans at the same rates for three months, while JioCinema Premium subscribers will be upgraded to JioHotstar Premium for the remainder of their subscription period.
A Sports Enthusiast’s Paradise
JioHotstar is poised to become the go-to platform for sports aficionados. The service has secured streaming rights for premier tournaments, including ICC events, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Additionally, it will spotlight grassroots cricket through initiatives like the Indian Street Premier League and collaborations with the BCCI, ICC, and state associations. Beyond cricket, subscribers can look forward to global sporting spectacles such as the English Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, and the Indian Super League (ISL).
Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports at JioStar, emphasized the platform’s commitment to revolutionizing sports viewing: “Sports in India is more than just a game—it’s passion, pride, and a shared experience that unites millions. JioHotstar is revolutionizing how fans experience live sports, combining the best of technology, access, and innovation.”
Innovative Features Enhancing User Experience
To elevate the streaming experience, JioHotstar introduces several cutting-edge features:
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Ultra HD 4K Streaming: Ensures crystal-clear visuals, bringing content to life with exceptional clarity.
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Multi-Angle Viewing: Allows users to switch between different camera angles during live events, offering a personalized viewing perspective.
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AI-Powered Insights and Real-Time Stats Overlays: Provides viewers with in-depth analyses and real-time statistics, especially beneficial during live sports events.
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‘Sparks’ Initiative: A flagship program designed to showcase India’s leading digital creators through innovative formats, fostering a vibrant creator community.
Strategic Merger: A New Era in Indian Entertainment
The inception of JioHotstar is the culmination of strategic deliberations between industry giants. In November 2024, Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company finalized an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets. This merger led to the formation of JioStar, integrating assets from both conglomerates, including over 120 TV channels and two prominent streaming services. The unified entity is poised to compete robustly with other industry leaders like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video in the Indian market.
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Leadership and Organizational Structure
JioStar’s organizational framework is segmented into three primary divisions: Entertainment, Digital, and Sports. Each division operates under the guidance of seasoned industry leaders:
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Digital Division: Helmed by Kiran Mani, a former Google executive, overseeing JioHotstar and other digital initiatives.
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Entertainment Division: Led by Kevin Vaz, responsible for the conglomerate’s extensive array of TV channels and original content production.
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Sports Division: Managed by Sanjog Gupta, focusing on sports broadcasting and related content.
