Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) behind Jio Cinema has decided to take over Star India. Interestingly, Star India is backs one of India’s top OTT platforms, Disney+ Hotstar. RIL had the option to run both platforms separately but in a strategic move they aim to combine Disney+ Hotstar into Jio Cinema, leading to a media giant valued upto $8.5 billion.
Jio Cinema does not come close to Disney+ Hotstar in terms of viewership in India, but this merger is going to change the game. After taking over the rights to IPL broadcasting, Jio Cinema has made significant increments in terms of memberships, and this merger is only going to further that reach. This means OTT lovers can expect the contents of Disney+ Hotstar to be available on Jio Cinema in the coming future.
Regulatory approvals are yet to follow from Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). This clearly means RIL is going to become a dominant contender in the OTT market, pushing its other rivals behind. How far this merger leads Jio Cinema to success will only be revealed in due time. But OTT viewers of both the platforms will surely be excited as a wide range of content will be available for them at the same place!
