JioStar, the joint venture between Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd and The Walt Disney Company, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for its streaming business as it officially merges JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single platform-JioHotstar-starting today (February 14).
With this integration, the company aims to shake up traditional subscription-based streaming by offering users free access to content for a limited number of hours every month, excluding Hollywood movies. This strategy is designed to maximize audience reach and allow consumers to experience a wide variety of programming before committing to a subscription.
“Our goal is to give every viewer a chance to explore our content,” said Kiran Mani, CEO of JioStar’s digital division. “JioHotstar removes the barrier of mandatory subscriptions, letting users dive into their favorite TV shows or catch a live cricket match without any upfront commitment.”
Kevin Vaz, CEO of JioStar’s entertainment division, assured that the transition would be seamless for existing subscribers. Disney+ Hotstar users will see no changes in their subscriptions, while JioCinema subscribers will be automatically upgraded to the premium tier.
“Our pricing model remains unchanged,” Vaz explained. “For instance, mobile subscriptions will continue at ₹149 per quarter, while the ad-free experience will cost ₹499 per quarter. Maintaining this consistency is essential to ensure a smooth experience for our loyal users.”
Mani emphasized that the merger goes beyond simply combining content libraries. “This isn’t just about bringing together two platforms-it’s about blending multiple technologies, including analog, network digital, and the broader app ecosystem, into a single micro-app that effortlessly adapts to any screen, whether it’s a compact mobile device or a massive 200-inch display,” he said.
“Our vision is to make the experience deeply personal and intuitive, so it feels like the app was designed specifically for each user,” he added.
JioStar is setting its sights on an expansive audience base, with the goal of reaching one billion screens. “With our diverse content lineup and cutting-edge technology, we’re confident that we can activate screens across the country and provide viewers with an immersive entertainment experience,” Mani noted.
The company is also making substantial investments in regional and family-oriented content. “We are focusing on more than just well-known movies. Our mission is to cater to all audience segments-whether through major original productions or long-running television serials that families have followed for years,” Vaz explained.
A key component of this expansion is a strengthened presence in South Indian content. “We’re doubling our South Indian content library from 500 hours to 1,100 hours and committing significant resources to original programming,” Vaz added. “This effort will not only enhance our catalog but also bring deeper, more culturally resonant stories to audiences across India.”
