JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar Unite to Launch JioHotstar

Synopsis
On February 14, JioStar announced the launch of JioHotstar, merging JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. The platform offers a wealth of content, with over 3 lakh hours of entertainment and 50 crore users, aiming to make premium entertainment accessible to all Indians.
Key Takeaways
- JioHotstar merges JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
- Offers nearly 3 lakh hours of content.
- Subscription plans start at Rs. 149/quarter.
- Features major sporting events and grassroots initiatives.
- AI-driven recommendations enhance user experience.
Mumbai, Feb 14 (NationPress) - The streaming platforms JioStar, a recently established joint venture resulting from the merger of Viacom18 and Star India, officially introduced JioHotstar on Friday morning. This new platform combines the offerings of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
According to a statement, the platform now boasts nearly 3 lakh hours of entertainment, comprehensive live sports coverage, and a user base exceeding 50 crore.
“At the heart of JioHotstar is a compelling vision—to make premium entertainment genuinely accessible to all Indians. Our commitment to Infinite Possibilities guarantees that entertainment is no longer a privilege but a collective experience. By leveraging AI-driven recommendations and providing streaming in over 19 languages, we are personalizing content like never before,” stated Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar during the JioHotstar launch.
JioHotstar also presents subscription plans that cater to varied audience preferences, commencing at Rs. 149/quarter. Current JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers can effortlessly transition and establish their JioHotstar subscriptions.
The platform will showcase the finest of Hollywood, featuring content from Disney, NBCUniversal Peacock, Warner Bros. Discovery HBO, and Paramount – all accessible in one place. Furthermore, it introduces ‘Sparks’, a key initiative that highlights India’s leading digital creators through creative and captivating formats.
“JioHotstar is establishing a new standard for digital-first entertainment. The platform is immersive, inclusive, and centered around the audience. While we offer limitless entertainment, we remain dedicated to continuously innovate and enhance storytelling, ensuring every Indian, irrespective of language, finds content they cherish,” added Kevin Vaz, CEO – Entertainment, JioStar, discussing the entertainment offerings.
JioHotstar will feature major tournaments such as ICC events, IPL, and WPL, while also showcasing grassroots cricket via the Indian Street Premier League and pathway events from BCCI, ICC, and state associations. Beyond cricket, it brings international sporting excellence with the Premier League and Wimbledon, while supporting local leagues like Pro Kabaddi and ISL.
Highlighting the platform’s game-changing role in sports, Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar remarked, “Sports in India transcends mere gameplay—it’s a communal experience that connects millions. JioHotstar is transforming the way fans engage with live sports, merging top-notch technology, access, storytelling, and innovation with the fan experience as our focal point.”
“Whether it’s the pride in Indian Cricket, the vibrant atmosphere of the Premier League, the enthusiasm for indigenous sports, or promotion for grassroots competitions, we will provide an array of experiences, catering to both 'lean in' and 'lean back' behaviors across a billion screens. We are extending this philosophy beyond sports by bringing culture-defining live experiences to our viewers,” Gupta concluded.