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Reliance’s OTT platform JioCinema took everyone by storm when they were broadcasting, rather streaming, the football world cup 2022, for free. The entire telecast was being done in regional languages to engage with various parts of India. They gained subscribers, with an immense football fan following.
This wasn’t all. There was another trick in the trade. JioCinema is currently streaming IPL 2023 for free. IPL is one of the biggest sporting events in the country. They applied the same rule and telecasted the matches in regional languages. The Bhojpuri and Punjabi commentary gained immense popularity and became a meme fest. There were some interesting view experiences that the platform offered, like numerous camera angles to choose from, and 360-stadium-like experience.
All this helped JioCinema gain subscribers. In the first four months of 2023, JIO has gained 10 million subscribers. While Disney+ Hotstar is losing subscribers.
But, the million-dollar question is, what will happen to JioCinema post-IPL 2023 final?
The answer is quite straightforward. JIO has a deal with HBO to stream its content in India. For which the viewer has to get a subscription for 999 per year. In general terms, it is not a bad deal, as JIO claims that four people can stream their content at the same time. If you have four friends, then the deal is pretty cheap. There is another problem. HBO’s elite content might not be in line with JIO's plan to expand in second, and third-tier cities. But, for that, they already have a plan.
Recently, JIO World premiered Hrithik Roshan, and Saif Ali Khan starring Vikram Vedha, for free. Not just this, they have a list of films, Web series, and reality shows in line for the month of June 2023. Shahid Kapoor starrer 'Bloody Daddy' would stream on June 9th, for free again. Jio, produces films also under JioStudios banner. They are most likely to come to JioCinema for streaming for their release. And, all of them would be free, as of yet. Even, the content made for VOOT, another OTT backed by Reliance, is streaming on JioCinema.
In short, there is a lot happening, and JioCinema has disrupted the OTT market in India. Further, it is here to stay. The thing to look out for is, when will they start charging for their services.
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