(From left) Offerings like the IPL and Taaza Khabar will be streamed for free on the app
JioHotstar goes live today with all content available for free, but with ads; existing Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar users automatically migrated to the new app’s premium plan
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 14, 2025)
On Wednesday, the social me-dia accounts of JioStar teased the arrival of “a new era”. It turns out JioHotstar, the new OTT platform and one of the products of the months-long merger between Reliance Industry Limited’s Viacom and Disney Star India, is set to go live today. The streamer will house the library of both Reliance’s JioCinema and Disney Star India’s Disney+ Hotstar. Said to be designed with the idea of reaching the last-mile consumer, it will provide all its content free of cost and without subscription, but with ads. Subscription packs that provide ad-free content start at R149.
Obviously, the big question is: What happens to users who have active subscriptions with JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar or both? A source tells us that existing subscribers of either platform will be automatically migrated to JioHotstar’s most premium subscription plan of R499 per quarter.
The source breaks it down further, saying, “It’s only after your existing subscription expires that you’ll need to choose from JioHotstar’s different packs. For those who currently have accounts on both platforms, the one with the longer validity period will be considered.”
Explaining further, our source adds, “Brand identity has been incorporated into the copy to ensure better recall and acceptance. No user will receive a three-month plan with a single JCP subscription. If a user has both Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar, the Jio Cinema subscription is utilized first, granting premium plan entitlements until expiry. After that, the Jio Cinema subscription ends, and the Hotstar subscription continues unchanged.
The launch marks Reliance’s aggressive push into the streaming sector. The streamer will house all web series, OTT films, general entertainment shows, regional offerings, sports and movies available under the Disney Star India bouquet, as well as Jio Cinema’s wide roster that includes HBO,
Peacock, and Paramount’s international offerings. It is also counting on its new vertical Sparks, which will offer original mini-series, to give it the first big push. “With compelling narratives and highly engaging formats, we introduce Sparks, a space for creator-led content, where the creators are influencers, producers, or talent,” said the spokesperson.
It will continue to have another ace up its sleeve with the Indian Premier League (IPL), the streaming rights of which rest with JioCinema from 2023. Sanjog Gupta, CEO—Sports, JioStar, said, “Whether it’s the high-octane IPL, the drama of the Champions Trophy, or a Premier League showdown, we’re committed to delivering an immersive experience.”
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.”
“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,” added Kevin Vaz, CEO – Entertainment, JioStar, while elaborating on the entertainment offering.
Plan Details:
Mobile Plan: Rs. 149 for three months or Rs. 499 annually, providing access on one mobile device
Super Plan: Rs. 299 for three months or Rs. 899 annually, offering access on two devices across mobile, web, and supported living room platforms.
Premium Plan: Rs. 499 for three months or Rs. 1,499 annually, allowing ad-free viewing (except for live sports and events) on up to four devices.