Khushi Sikarwar
Jio Star, which could be an updated joint platform with the full offerings of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, is expected to create an extensive library encompassing regional and western feature films, web series, live sports, news, and children’s programming.
New Delhi: 13th november 2024
In a telepathically interconnected media verse merger that is guaranteed to upset India’s streaming landscape, Reliance Jio’s Viacom18 and Star India Private Limited are combining forces to launch a new OTT platform tentatively called “Jio Star.” Two of India’s leading players in digital entertainment are joining together to create a one-stop destination for movies, TV shows, sports, and original content. The jiostar.com URL already shows a teaser message reading “Coming Soon,” and sources tip that a launch on November 14 may be on the cards.
A Game-Changing Merger
The surge of OTT platforms is the consequence of consumer habit-shift due to budget telecoms taking over the Indian telecom market; smartphone penetration; and increasing demand for variety in digital content provided by audiences themselves. Merger of Viacom18’s JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar may not have been at the best time for Indian OTT platforms, not least because of the new players surfacing on the horizon, including SonyLIV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Zee5.
Jio Star, which could be an updated joint platform with the full offerings of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, is expected to create an extensive library encompassing regional and western feature films, web series, live sports, news, and children’s programming. However, this could create the first user interface experience that would allow Indian viewers to enjoy shows and films from both these platforms collectively.
What will Jio Star deliver?
Reliance Jio has a history of offering cost-effective plans to disrupt industries. The partnership shall confer exclusive access to the various illustrious franchises of Disney, namely Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic, on Disney+ Hotstar. Simultaneously, JioCinema’s vast library of Bollywood and regional content will expand the bouquet of offerings on the platform.
For a long time, Disney+ Hotstar has been the most popular destination for cricket lovers in India. Jio Star might establish a single destination for live sports, revolutionizing the experience for millions of the sports-watching audience in India.
Jio Star can be expected to juggle a combination of impactful storytelling and quality productions targeting Indian audiences.
Reliance Jio indeed has a history of creating price points disruptive to the industries. Rather, Jio Star may bea safe bet for enticing subscription plans, perhaps with bonuses of data, wide-ranging, and balanced subscriptions. Bundled offers and discounts for Jio mobile users have been pure speculation, heightening the value proposition for Reliance Jio customers.
Merging the best of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Star would also, from the looks of it, be focusing on a superior interface and quality for streaming. The new platform will implement features for enhanced content recommendations, easier navigation, and top-level members’ viewing experience.
Impact on the Indian-streaming Ecosystem
The introduction of Jio Star has a great potential to radiate through the OTT ecosystem across India. With the huge reach and influence of Viacom18 and Star India, the new platform is likely to attract a substantial share of the Indian-market viewership, potentially pitting Jio Star against Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The platform’s combination of international and regional titles is even setting itself up to compete strongly for audiences of varying age and interest.
Weighing Timing and Market Speculation
November 14 launching coincides with the holiday season in India, and the online viewership is at its peak during this period. The jiostar.com teaser has set off excitement with “Coming Soon,” raising the stakes for entertainment buffs across the country.
NI Bureau
