JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar Merge to Launch JioHotstar

HIGHLIGHTS:

• JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merge to create JioHotstar, combining content and 50 crore users.
• The platform offers 3 lakh hours of entertainment with AI-driven recommendations in 19+ languages.
• JioHotstar aims to make premium entertainment accessible to all Indians, enhancing storytelling.
• The platform revolutionizes sports viewing with immersive experiences, including IPL and Premier League.
• New subscription plans start at ₹149 per quarter, replacing old JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar plans.

There is a new OTT platform in the Indian market and it is already one of the largest, if not the absolute largest, in terms of subscriber base and users. On Friday morning, JioStar, the recently formed joint venture with the merger of Viacom18 and Star India announced the launch of JioHotstar. The platform has been formed by bringing together JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, two of India’s leading platforms for sports, entertainment and more.

The platforms are merging their content and pooling their subscribers together. According to a press note shared by JioStar, the new platform boasts of 'close to 3 lakh hours of entertainment, and more than 50 crore users'.

Speaking on the launch of JioHotstar, Kiran Mani, CEO, Digital, JioStar said, “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. By integrating AI-driven recommendations and offering streaming in over 19 languages, we are personalizing content like never before.”

while elaborating on the entertainment offering, Kevin Vaz, CEO – Entertainment, JioStar, stated, “JioHotstar is setting a new benchmark for digital-first entertainment. The platform is immersive, inclusive, and audience centric. While we have endless entertainment to offer, we are committed to continually innovate and elevate storytelling, ensuring that every Indian, regardless of language, discovers content they love.”

Emphasising the platform’s transformative role in sports, Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar, said, “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. Whether it’s the high-octane IPL, the drama of the Champions Trophy, or the electric atmosphere of a Premier League showdown, we are committed to delivering an experience that is as immersive as being in the stadium itself. We saw this innovation extend beyond sports with the overwhelming response to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres livestream, and we are excited to continue breaking new ground.”

New JioHotstar plans to replace old ones

JioHotstar is set to replace the old subscription plans with new ones soon. Last week, the old JioCinema premium subscription (₹29 per month) for all users was paused, sparking speculation about the upcoming changes. Although JioHotstar has not yet revealed detailed plans, a press release mentions that "compelling subscription plans tailored to diverse audience needs" will start at ₹149 per quarter. Existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will be able to smoothly transition and set up their JioHotstar subscriptions, according to the press note.