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The highly anticipated merger of Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar is nearing completion, bringing together two major streaming platforms in India. This $8.5 billion deal, announced in February, will create a behemoth in the entertainment industry, encompassing 120 TV channels and two streaming apps. The combined entity will be led by Nita Ambani as chairperson and Uday Shankar from Bodhi Tree Systems as vice-chair.
Initial speculation suggested that Jio Cinema would serve as the primary streaming platform following the merger. However, after careful consideration and deliberation, Reliance Industries Ltd has decided that Disney+ Hotstar will absorb Jio Cinema, becoming the single destination for all content. This decision reflects the belief that Disney+ Hotstar's infrastructure is more robust in handling live content and targeted advertising.
The merger has significant implications for streaming content, particularly sports. Both Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar have acquired rights to various sporting events. Jio Cinema holds the rights to IPL, Winter Olympics, and Indian Super League Football, while Disney+ Hotstar boasts rights to the International Cricket Council's tournaments and Pro Kabaddi League. After the merger, all sports content, including IPL, will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.
While the future of entertainment content remains unclear, it is anticipated that Disney+ Hotstar will become the primary platform for movies, shows, and other entertainment programs. However, it is not yet confirmed if the content will be consolidated on one app or remain distributed across both platforms. Whether Disney+ Hotstar will undergo a rebranding remains to be seen.
This merger signals a shift in the Indian streaming landscape, with Disney+ Hotstar emerging as the dominant force. With its vast library of content, including sports, entertainment, and Hollywood productions, Disney+ Hotstar is poised to become a major player in the global streaming market.
Source: Jio Cinema to merge with Disney+ Hotstar: What will happen to movies, shows and IPL streaming