Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is reportedly planning to shut down JioCinema as part of a strategic move to consolidate its streaming services. This decision follows the anticipated merger between Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema after the recent merger of Star India and Viacom18. The goal of this consolidation is to create a more streamlined and cost-effective platform that can compete effectively with other major players in the OTT market, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. By focusing solely on JioCinema, RIL aims to enhance its offerings and provide a comprehensive entertainment experience for viewers.
The proposed merger would see JioCinema absorb Disney+ Hotstar’s extensive library, which includes popular content from Disney, HBO, and NBCUniversal. Currently, Disney+ Hotstar boasts over 500 million downloads compared to JioCinema’s 100 million. However, JioCinema has gained significant traction, especially during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where it recorded record viewership numbers. This move is seen as a way to leverage the strengths of both platforms while eliminating redundancy in operations, ultimately aiming for a robust single platform that can cater to diverse audience needs.
Industry experts suggest that merging these two platforms will not only save costs but also create a formidable competitor in the advertising video on demand (AVOD) segment. With cricket rights and an extensive content library, the newly consolidated platform is expected to attract substantial advertising revenue and subscriber growth. RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani has previously emphasized the potential for scaling audiences through digital platforms, indicating confidence in this strategic direction.
While the decision to shut down JioCinema may raise eyebrows among its current user base, it reflects a broader trend in the media landscape where consolidation is becoming increasingly common. By focusing on a singular platform, RIL hopes to streamline its operations and enhance user experience, positioning itself as a leading player in India’s rapidly evolving OTT space. As discussions between RIL and Disney progress, the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how this merger unfolds and what it means for the future of streaming in India.