JioStar, the new joint venture formed by the merger of Viacom18 and Star India, announced the launch of JioHotstar on Friday (February 14), as the company combined the JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar streaming platforms to take the entertainment to the next level.
The JioHotstar provides a wide range of content, including nearly 300,000 hours of entertainment, live sports, and more, with the goal of improving the viewing experience for users. However, the Indian fans will be disappointed as JioHotstar will not offer free streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
JioStar launches JioHotstar, offering premium content with a subscription model
This streaming platform operates on a hybrid subscription model, which means users will need to pay for access to premium content. Earlier, JioCinema was providing the free IPL streaming after securing the digital rights for five years, but now the fans can only stream for only two minutes.
Read Also: Revealed: How Much Money Will ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Winner And Runners-Up Win?
According to the company’s statement, JioHotstar offers a range of subscription plans, starting at Rs 149, and the existing subscribers of the JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be able to easily switch over to the new platform and continue their subscriptions.
Kiran Mani, CEO—Digital, JioStar, said in an official statement: “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 to stream all major cricket events
Meanwhile, the newly launched platform will stream major cricket events such as ICC tournaments, IPL, and WPL, as well as other cricket tournaments like the Indian Street Premier League. It will also cover events from BCCI, ICC, state associations, and other sports like Premier League football, English Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, the Indian Super League (ISL) and among others.
Additionally, JioHotstar will provide a wide variety of Hollywood content, including from Disney, NBCUniversal Peacock, Warner Bros. Discovery HBO, and Paramount. The platform also promises ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, and a range of special interest feeds, all designed to give fans a more immersive experience.
Read Also: Gautam Gambhir’s PA staying at a separate hotel after being banned from staying with Team India
‘Sports in India is more than just a game’
Sanjog Gupta, CEO—Sports, JioStar, said, “Sports in India is more than just a game—it’s passion, pride, and a shared experience that unites millions. JioHotstar is revolutionizing how fans experience live sports, combining the best of technology, access, and innovation.”
He added, “Whether it’s the high-octane IPL, the drama of the Champions Trophy, or the electric atmosphere of a Premier League showdown, we are committed to delivering an experience that is as immersive as being in the stadium itself. We are excited to continue breaking new ground.”
Notably, the Reliance-Disney partnership operates over 100 TV channels and streaming apps in India’s $28 billion media and entertainment industry, where it competes with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.