JioStar launches JioHotstar, merging JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar | Check details

Reliance’s JioStar, a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India, has launched JioHotstar, merging JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single platform. With over 50 crore users and 3 lakh hours of content, JioHotstar aims to redefine India’s OTT landscape by offering entertainment, live sports, and global franchises under one umbrella. The move follows the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approval of the Disney-Reliance merger in August 2024.

JioHotstar provides content in 19 languages, including Bollywood films, Hollywood franchises, Indian shows, and reality programs. It integrates Disney, NBCUniversal's Peacock, Warner Bros. Discovery HBO, and Paramount into its catalog, giving Indian audiences access to global entertainment. The platform offers live coverage of major sports events, including ICC tournaments, IPL, WPL, Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL, along with local tournaments like the Indian Street Premier League and BCCI pathway events.

Subscription plans start at ₹149, offering three tiers: a Mobile plan (₹149/3 months, ₹499/year) for single-device access, a Super plan (₹299/3 months, ₹899/year) for two devices, and a Premium plan (₹299/month, ₹1499/year) for ad-free viewing on four devices. Basic access remains free with ads, and existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar users will be migrated to the new platform. JioHotstar features AI-driven recommendations, 4K streaming, multi-angle views, and real-time statistics overlays.

Kiran Mani, CEO of Digital at JioStar, stated, “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.” Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports at JioStar, added, “JioHotstar is revolutionizing how fans experience live sports, combining the best of technology, access, and innovation.” Kevin Vaz, CEO of Entertainment at JioStar, highlighted the platform’s commitment to “continuous innovation, elevating storytelling, and ensuring every Indian, regardless of language, finds content they love.”

Reliance holds a 60% stake in the merged entity, with 16% direct ownership and 47% through Viacom18 Media, while Disney retains a 37% stake. Industry experts note that JioHotstar’s vast reach and exclusive rights to major sporting events could shift the competitive landscape for Indian streaming services. The Disney+ Hotstar app has already been rebranded as JioHotstar across Google Play and Apple App Store, signaling the transition for millions of users.