Category: Over The Top Services

  • Netflix India appoints Aneesha Mukhopadhaya as consumer insights lead

    Netflix India appoints Aneesha Mukhopadhaya as consumer insights lead

    MUMBAI: Aneesha Mukhopadhaya has joined Netflix India as consumer insights lead in Mumbai. She moves from Amazon, where she served as research and insights lead for Prime Video for nearly three years.

    Prior to Amazon, Mukhopadhaya spent over eight years at Unilever in various roles, most recently as global homecare lead for CMI Hive. She previously worked with Kantar as insights director at IMRB International.

    A consumer insight specialist with over 15 years’ experience, Mukhopadhaya brings expertise in research, analytics and brand strategy across FMCG and entertainment sectors.

     

  • Sony’s New Strategic Vision: Inside CEO Gaurav Banerjee’s Transformation Plan

    Sony’s New Strategic Vision: Inside CEO Gaurav Banerjee’s Transformation Plan

    MUMBAI: Six months into his tenure as CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, Gaurav  Banerjee (GB as he is called internally and by those who know him)  is orchestrating a remarkable turnaround of the media giant’s Indian operations. In a detailed conversation with CNBC-TV18, GB  outlined his vision for revitalising Sony’s presence in both traditional television and digital streaming.

    Under Banerjee’s leadership, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) has witnessed a dramatic 70 per cent surge in ratings, climbing from the early 50s to the late 80s. This transformation has been driven by strategic content decisions, most notably the revival of the iconic crime drama CID, which achieved the channel’s strongest fiction launch in seven years.

    “Our flagship channel had not been doing well,” GB  acknowledged. “Some of that identity had got diluted”. 
    His response was decisive: streamline programming to reinforce Sony’s distinctive identity whilst reinvigorating successful formats. The strategy has paid dividends, with Indian Idol recording a 30 per cent increase in ratings compared to its previous season.

    “Programs like Shark Tank in its latest season were tweaked and put on the streamer  only and it has notched up a jump in viewership and viewers. 

    GB shocked
    Contrary to industry pessimism about traditional television, GB  remains bullish on linear TV’s prospects in India. “There is no evidence of TV’s decline. In fact, there is substantial evidence that TV is set to grow in our country”, he asserts, pointing to India’s massive television audience of 700 million viewers. This optimism is reinforced by continued support from major advertisers like Hindustan Unilever, who recognise television’s unique brand-building capabilities.

    For Sony as a group, GB  has implemented a four-pillar strategy encompassing sports, television content, original productions, and regional expansion. The company has secured rights to premium sporting events, including three Grand Slam tennis tournaments and 35 days of top-tier cricket coverage. Original content continues to be a priority, building on the success of acclaimed series like Scam and Rocket Boys.

    Addressing the aftermath of the failed Zee merger, GB  maintains a forward-looking stance. “The Sony group is a big believer in the potential of India”, he states, emphasising the company’s commitment to the market. On the competitive landscape of cricket rights, he advocated a measured approach: “We need to have an eye on profitability… Having two different revenue streams is very important Hence, SonyLiv will not be free.”

    GB  who previously held senior positions at Disney Star, brings a clear vision for Sony’s future: “We’re not here to count subscribers; we’re here to build a product.”

    This philosophy underpins his approach to both traditional and digital platforms, focusing on premium content creation and sustainable growth.

    GB refused to be drawn into any conversation about reviving discussions with Zeel about any merger possibilities in the light of the emergence of the JioStar megabeast. 

    “I think me and my team have a job on our hands and we are focused on that. What ever had to be said about it, has been,  before I entered this building,” he reparteed when pushed. ”I want us to build a great portfolio of amazing content and that’s what all of us in this building are focused on now. We have got great brands in-house and we have to grow them in Hindi and in other Indian languages. We have to grow them on television, we have to grow them on digital.” 
    GB smiling
    Looking ahead, Sony’s strategy under GB  appears focused on leveraging its strong heritage while embracing digital innovation. With significant improvements already visible in his first six months, the CEO’s vision for Sony India combines strategic content development with pragmatic business decisions, positioning the company for sustained growth in India’s evolving media landscape.

    “Entertainment isn’t just relaxation-it shapes society”, GB  reflects, highlighting the broader significance of his role in steering one of India’s major media enterprises. 

    As Sony continues its transformation, the early results suggest that Banerjee’s strategic repositioning is successfully reconnecting the brand with Indian audiences across both traditional and digital platforms. Viewers will agree he is the best man to remind India why it fell in love with Sony in the first place.

     If the past six months are anything to go by, Gaurav Banerjee and his team are just about getting started.

  • Navigating India’s Evolving Forex Landscape: How to Choose the Right Broker

    Navigating India’s Evolving Forex Landscape: How to Choose the Right Broker

    Forex trading in India has gained significant traction over the years, with an increasing number of individuals exploring the currency markets to diversify their portfolios and hedge against risks. The journey to becoming a successful forex trader begins with selecting the right broker. Among the many options available, comparisons such as Vantage vs OctaFX brokers often arise as traders analyze their options to find the perfect fit. Each broker offers unique features, tools, and benefits, but understanding how they align with India’s regulatory environment and individual trading goals is of crucial importance.

    Understanding the Role of a Forex Broker

    A forex broker acts as an intermediary between traders and the foreign exchange market, offering platforms, tools, and access to currency pairs. For Indian traders, the broker’s role extends beyond executing trades; it includes ensuring compliance with local regulations, offering INR-based currency pairs, and providing educational resources.

    Features such as competitive spreads, reliable execution speed, and robust security measures are non-negotiable when choosing a broker. Platforms such as Vantage and OctaFX offer these features, but they cater to different trader needs. Vantage is known for its advanced tools and transparency and OctaFX attracts users with its simplicity and affordability, making both worthy of consideration depending on your trading style.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker

    To find the right broker, Indian traders should evaluate several key factors. First and foremost is regulatory compliance. Trading with brokers regulated by globally recognized authorities or those who understand India’s unique legal framework ensures safety and reliability.

    The availability of INR-based currency pairs is another critical factor. While India restricts forex trading to pairs involving the Indian Rupee, brokers such as Vantage and OctaFX often offer demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and explore strategies without risking real money. Platform usability is also crucial. Advanced platforms with analytical tools appeal to experienced traders, while intuitive interfaces cater to beginners.

    Comparing Vantage and OctaFX for Indian Traders

    When debating Vantage vs OctaFX, it’s essential to consider what each broker brings to the table. Vantage offers a professional-grade trading environment with competitive spreads, advanced analytical tools, and a strong regulatory standing. It’s ideal for traders looking for transparency and access to high-quality tools.

    On the other hand, OctaFX focuses on simplicity and affordability, offering attractive bonuses, a user-friendly interface, and low trading costs. Its localised support and flexible funding options make it a popular choice among Indian traders who are new to forex or operate with limited capital.

    Conclusion

    Finding the right forex broker in India’s dynamic trading market is about balancing regulatory compliance, platform features, and personal trading preferences. Brokers such as Vantage and OctaFX cater to different needs, from advanced tools to beginner-friendly environments. By assessing these options against individual goals and the regulatory framework, traders can make informed decisions that set them up for long-term success. In a market as dynamic as forex trading, the right broker can make all the difference in your journey to financial growth.

    Disclaimer: This article does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of indiantelevision.com. indiantelevision.com group or its websites does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein.

    The reader is further advised that Online Casino, Betting, Online Gaming , Crypto products, Financial Investments/Engagement , NFTs, Products associated with health, wellness, and food are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions or risk associated with health conditions.

    Indiantelevision.com group shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of indiantelevision.com (indiantelevision.com group) of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute financial advice. 

  • Netflix commits a billion dollar investment in Mexico’s entertainment sector

    Netflix commits a billion dollar investment in Mexico’s entertainment sector

    MUMBAI: President Trump wants immigrants from across the border out of the US. Where they go is none of his business. Netflix, on its part is clear where it  is headed –  to Mexico , where Trump wants the illegals to head. 

    Yesterday, the streamer announced that it is going to be pumping in  a billion dollars over the next four years into making entertainment content in the country.

    Ted Sarandos, the streaming giant’s co-chief executive, made the announcement alongside president Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City yesterday. The investment marks a significant expansion of Netflix’s presence in Latin America’s second-largest economy.


    The commitment aims to bolster local production companies and stimulate growth across Mexico’s audiovisual sector. Beyond film and television production, the investment is expected to create ripple effects in adjacent industries, from catering and hospitality to traditional craftsmanship.

    Mexican content has proven particularly successful for Netflix’s global audience. The streaming service has already produced hundreds of shows and films in the country, many achieving international acclaim. The new investment signals Netflix’s confidence in Mexico’s creative talent pool and its potential to generate content with worldwide appeal.

    The move comes as streaming platforms increasingly focus on local content production to differentiate their offerings and capture regional audiences. For Mexico, the investment represents a significant boost to its creative industries, potentially establishing the country as a leading hub for Spanish-language content production in the Americas.

  • Fubo unveils multicultural content bundles; Zee Family leads the charge

    Fubo unveils multicultural content bundles; Zee Family leads the charge

    MUMBAI: FuboTV Inc., the sports-first live TV streaming platform, has just upped its game with the launch of multicultural content bundles designed to cater to a growing demand for international programming. Available both as standalone subscriptions and as add-ons to English-language Fubo base plans, these bundles aim to provide diverse audiences with premium entertainment in multiple languages.

    Leading the charge is Zee Family, a suite of 18 linear entertainment channels from Asia TV USA Ltd., the independent distributor of Zee Entertainment. This offering is now live on Fubo, available as an annual subscription, with a monthly plan rolling out soon. The deal also paves the way for the addition of Zee5, Zee’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) streaming app, broadening Fubo’s South Asian content portfolio.

    The U.S. Census Bureau has highlighted a significant rise in Indian-language speakers, particularly Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Marathi, underscoring the need for diverse, regional content. By integrating Zee Family into its platform, Fubo is tapping into this growing demand, offering more entertainment choices to an increasingly diverse American audience.

    Asia TV USA Ltd. licensing, EVP, Zee5 B2B, operations, head of partnerships; distribution, ad sales, Akhilesh G. celebrated the collaboration on LinkedIn: “Happy to announce the partnership between Fubo and ZEE, making Zee Family the first multicultural offering on Fubo in the U.S.! This collaboration brings 18 linear ZEE channels and Zee5 to Fubo’s customers, expanding access to premium South Asian entertainment.”

    He further highlighted the importance of this partnership: “South Asian population in the U.S. has seen significant growth, as reflected in recent Census data. With millions of south Asians calling the U.S. home, the demand for premium, culturally relevant entertainment has never been greater. A huge thank you to Fubo for their collaboration in making this vision a reality. We are excited to deliver the best of south Asian entertainment to an even wider audience!”

    “The launch of multicultural bundles is a natural next step in our Super Aggregation strategy, as we seek to serve all consumers with flexible content bundles featuring the content they want to watch at an appropriate price point,” said Fubo executive vice president of content strategy and acquisition, Todd Mathers. “These skinnier content bundles enable Fubo subscribers to build the content package that’s right for them. We plan to offer additional new programming packages, and in multiple languages, to really put choice in the hands of consumers, as they deserve.”

    Zee Family brings a powerhouse lineup of channels that cater to various linguistic and cultural preferences. Some highlights include:

    1    Zee TV – The flagship Hindi general entertainment channel, renowned for its family dramas and reality shows.

    2    Zee Cinema – A treasure trove of Hindi movies spanning action, comedy, romance, and family films.

    3    Zee Telugu – A leading Telugu entertainment channel offering a mix of serials, films, and reality shows.

    4    Zee Tamil – A go-to Tamil entertainment hub with a rich blend of dramas, movies, and cultural programming.

    5    Zee Marathi – A favourite among Marathi-speaking audiences with its drama, movies, and lifestyle shows.

    6    Zee Bangla – A Bengali entertainment powerhouse, known for its innovative programming and viewer engagement.

    7    Zee Punjabi – A Punjabi-language entertainment channel featuring serials, reality shows, and cultural content.

    8    Zee World – A destination for Bollywood entertainment, bringing Indian series and films to global audiences.

    9    Zee Kannada – Offering everything from game shows to soap operas for Kannada-speaking viewers.

    10    Zee Keralam – A Malayalam channel reflecting the vibrant spirit of Kerala through fiction and non-fiction shows.

    11    &TV – A Hindi GEC (general entertainment channel) catering to modern Indian sensibilities.

    12    Zee Anmol – A collection of some of India’s most-loved television classics.

    13    Zee Classic – The channel that keeps the golden era of Bollywood alive with iconic films and talent spotlights.

    14    Zee Bollywood – A high-energy Bollywood channel showcasing masala entertainers.

    15    Zing – A Bollywood music and lifestyle channel featuring celebrity news and entertainment.

    16    Zee Talkies – A 24/7 Marathi movie channel celebrating the best of Marathi cinema.

    17    Alpha ETC Punjabi – A Punjabi entertainment channel covering drama, music, news, and cultural content.

    18    Zee Cinemalu – A Telugu movie channel offering world television premieres and an extensive film library.

    Fubo isn’t stopping with Zee Family. The streaming service plans to expand its multicultural content offering, bringing even more live and video-on-demand (VOD) options across various languages and cultures. The move positions Fubo as a serious contender in the battle for diverse, niche audiences who crave entertainment that reflects their heritage and preferences.

    For consumers, this means more ways to tailor their viewing experience, whether they want a full-fledged multicultural plan or just a few add-ons to complement their existing subscription.

    As the streaming wars intensify, will Fubo’s strategy of hyper-personalised content bundles prove to be a game-changer? 

  • “This is just the start”: Anshuman Misraa on Reelies’ explosive growth

    “This is just the start”: Anshuman Misraa on Reelies’ explosive growth

    MUMBAI: Reelies isn’t just dipping its toes into the entertainment scene—it’s doing a full cannonball. On 17 February, Anshuman Misraa dropped a LinkedIn update that made waves, revealing that Reelies has skyrocketed to 120K customer sign-ups, launched six binge-worthy series, and gained a fiercely loyal Instagram following of 24.4K. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Contract Marriage has racked up a jaw-dropping 3.5 million views, while Reelies’ Instagram page has amassed a staggering 37 million impressions in just 90 days. Talk about a vertical takeoff!

    “This is just the start”, Misraa declared. And if these numbers are any indication, he’s absolutely right.

    Reelies is not just another streaming app; it’s the snackable content revolution your scrolling thumb deserves. Offering short drama videos and vertical web series, Reelies ensures you get gripping entertainment without the hassle of flipping your phone sideways. Whether you’re into heart-fluttering romances, nail-biting thrillers, or laugh-out-loud comedies, it’s all served up in bite-sized portions. Available on Android and Ios, the app delivers on-demand streaming with a lightning-fast, user-friendly interface and unlimited original content—because why settle for long and boring when you can have short and addictive content?

    “In an exclusive phone interview with Indiantelevision.com, Misraa shared insights on Reelies’ rapid growth, future innovations, and the impact of his viral LinkedIn update.”

    Edited excerpts from the call

    Misraa shared that on average, viewers spend about nine minutes a day watching Reelies’ short dramas. “It’s quick, impactful, and keeps them hooked before their next scroll”, he said. While Reelies enjoys a global presence, India remains its stronghold, accounting for nearly 95 per cent of its audience. “We’ve tapped into a format that resonates deeply with Indian audiences, and it’s paying off,” he added.

    When it comes to influencer power, Reelies isn’t playing small. The platform has already launched eight series featuring a roster of influencers with a combined Instagram following of 150 million. “We’re bringing back Riyaz Ali, who has 27.7 million followers, for another show”, Misraa revealed. Jaswant Bopanna is also set to return, while new faces Akriti Negi, Ratan from Chandigarh, and Shagun Sharma are joining the lineup. “We’re constantly scouting for fresh talent who bring new energy to our platform”, he added.

    Reelies is a full-fledged creative powerhouse, handling all production in-house. With a dedicated team of writers, directors, producers, and crew, every project is crafted with complete creative control. “Everything is done internally to ensure the highest quality and consistency,” Misraa noted.

    And if you’re wondering where the money is coming from—no, there are no big investors pulling the strings. Reelies is entirely self-funded, with Misraa personally backing the venture. “We are completely bootstrapped, with all investments coming from my personal funds,” he confirmed.

    Unlike traditional platforms, Reelies isn’t looking to integrate with other players. The vertical storytelling format is a unique space, and Misraa believes Reelies is pioneering Indian short-form drama in this space. “This is a separate category; vertical storytelling operates differently from traditional horizontal video platforms,” he explained.

    As for competition, Misraa isn’t worried. “In India, we are the first to launch a dedicated vertical short-drama platform. Others may be planning similar concepts, but we have already established our presence and are moving forward. Internationally, competition exists, but we are pioneering Indian short-form drama production.”

    Road ahead

    Reelies has ambitious expansion plans, with a goal of producing 50 series within the first year—all in-house. Currently, the Reelies app is the sole distribution platform, with no plans for syndication. Growth has been driven by organic strategies and a lean marketing budget. “Our focus is on leveraging social media to expand our reach. We are targeting over one million downloads within the next six months while keeping customer acquisition costs low,” Misraa concluded.

    Looking back on the early days, Misraa highlighted the rigorous efforts to fine-tune Reelies’ storytelling format. “We have even developed our own ‘Bible’ to train writers on how to create & produce content in this unique format,” he said. He credited his seasoned production team for smooth execution but stressed the critical role of writing. “Writing is the foundation of everything. It’s the key to making this format work.”

    Misraa isn’t pulling off this entertainment coup alone. Backing him are co-founders Anshumaali Jha and Mridul Toolsidass. Toolsidass, a writer-director and National Award winner for Toolsidass Jr. in 2022, injects serious creative firepower into Reelies. With a dream team like this, Reelies isn’t just redefining short-form entertainment in India—it’s flipping the script entirely. And if the last 90 days are anything to go by, this rollercoaster is just picking up speed.

    (Story updated at 8pm)

  • JioHotstar  &  Nielsen ink deal to offer transparent digital ad consumption data to advertisers

    JioHotstar & Nielsen ink deal to offer transparent digital ad consumption data to advertisers

    MUMBAI: When the ad market is tough and advertisers are demanding transparency, there is no option for publishers but to open up consumption metrics on their platforms. At least that’s what one understands from this morning’s announcement between audience measurement firm Nielsen and the recently-born JioHotstar. 
     Under this, the duo will deliver advanced analytics solutions ahead of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 to advertisers. The collaboration represents a significant shift in India’s digital advertising landscape, marking the first instance of transparent campaign reporting by an Indian media company.

    Under the partnership, Nielsen will establish a sophisticated data pipeline to measure advertising effectiveness across JioHotstar’s properties, leveraging its century-long expertise in audience measurement and first-party data analysis. The company will deploy its flagship Nielsen One  Ads platform—formerly known as Digital Ad Ratings (DAR)—alongside the newly developed Volumetric and Reach Analysis tools.

    Advertisers and agencies will gain access to a unified dashboard providing crucial metrics including:
    * Daily cumulative reach reporting
    * Demographic breakdowns by age and gender
    * Campaign impression data
    * Click-through rates
    * On-target reach metrics
    * Near real-time performance insights

    The initiative launches at a pivotal moment, as India experiences a substantial surge in digital content consumption across multiple platforms, including connected TV (CTV), mobile devices, tablets, and computers. The measurement system’s debut is strategically timed to coincide with the Tata IPL 2025, India’s premier cricket tournament, which traditionally attracts massive viewership across platforms.

    “Through our association with Nielsen, we aim to redefine how advertising on digital/OTT is measured across India’s most iconic entertainment and sports properties,” said JioHotstar chief business officer Ishan Chatterjee. He emphasised that the partnership demonstrates JioHotstar’s commitment to providing advertisers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance transparency and precision.

    Nielsen  president commercial – Asia  Arnaud Frade highlighted the significance of independent third-party measurement in today’s fragmented content consumption landscape. “This collaboration with JioHotstar not only reinforces our role as a preferred partner in the Indian media ecosystem but also enables us to address long-standing industry challenges,” Frade noted. “The biggest player has made a decisive commitment to transparency, equity of measurement, and adhering to global standards.”

    The new measurement system will be particularly valuable during live sports events, where audience behaviour can be highly variable. Advertisers will receive near real-time access to data, with reporting available either same-day or next-day depending on the metric.

    The partnership involves several technical innovations:

    * Integration of Nielsen’s measurement tools with JioHotstar’s first-party data
    * Implementation of advanced audience segmentation capabilities
    * Development of real-time reporting mechanisms
    * Creation of a unified dashboard for campaign performance tracking

    Hemant Kewalaya, Nielsen’s India lead, acknowledged the complexity of the implementation while emphasising its significance: “For the first time, an Indian publisher is embracing transparency, which is truly encouraging. Hopefully, this move will inspire other publishers to step forward and contribute to strengthening this ecosystem.”

    JioHotstar’s move to embrace transparent measurement is expected to set new standards for India’s digital advertising landscape. The collaboration addresses growing advertiser demands for accountability and measurable outcomes in digital spending. Industry experts anticipate this partnership could prompt other streaming platforms to adopt similar measurement frameworks, potentially leading to standardised digital advertising metrics across India’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

    The initiative is particularly significant for live sports broadcasting, where accurate audience measurement has traditionally been challenging. With the integration of Nielsen’s tools, advertisers will be able to better understand viewer engagement patterns and optimise their campaigns accordingly, potentially leading to more relevant and effective advertising experiences for viewers.

  • Indian audio streaming market sees new entrant as Velvet brings in Pankaj Tripathi

    Indian audio streaming market sees new entrant as Velvet brings in Pankaj Tripathi

    MUMBAI; The Indian audio streaming sector continues to expand with Velvet, a new platform specialising in cinematic audio stories, announcing actor Pankaj Tripathi has joined as co-founder. Tripathi recently released a bunch of his stories written and narrated by him on Velvet. 

    The bootstrapped venture, which launched quietly in late 2024, was founded by actor and dialogue coach Vikas Kumar, alongside Akshat Saxena, Varad Bhatnagar and Sharib Khan. It joins a growing market that includes successful platforms such as Pocket FM, Pratilipi FM and Kuku FM.

    “From folk tales to epics, our stories have always had the power to inspire, educate, and entertain,” said Mr Tripathi. “We aim to elevate this tradition into a cinematic experience for the ears, whilst remaining deeply rooted in our cultural ethos.”

    The platform, which focuses on preserving and promoting traditional storytelling, has attracted over 10,000 direct listeners and reaches more than one million users through partnerships with Josh App in India and Future Today Group in the US.

    The announcement follows the recent launch of Eshtory by former radio executive Harrish Bhatia, indicating growing interest in India’s audio streaming market.

     

     

  • JioHotstar subscriptions to be available at three price points

    JioHotstar subscriptions to be available at three price points

    MUMBAI:  There is nothing such as a freebie; everything has a price. A lot of misinformation has been put out about the charges that JioHotstar is going to be levying on customers for the new streamer. Here are the details: All of our plans give you access to all content on our platform:

    . Unlimited live sports (Cricket, Tennis grand slams, Premier League and more)

    . Latest Indian movie digital premieres, Hotstar Specials, and Star serials before TV

    . Disney+ Originals, popular Disney movies & kid’s shows (in English & select Indian languages).

    Mobile (Ad-Supported plan) – Rs 149 / 3 months and Rs 499 / year

    . Access content on “1” mobile device at a time

    * Renewal will be priced at Rs 149 / 3 months even if a discounted price was availed for the first 3 months of the plan.

    Super (Ad-Supported plan)** – Rs 299 / 3 months and Rs 899 / year

    . Access content on any “2” devices at a time

    . All content can be enjoyed on any of our supported platforms (Mobile, Web, and supported Living Room devices).

    ** Also applies to Jio Broadband JioHotstar partner plan

    Premium (Ad-Free plan) – Rs 299 / month (Can only be purchased via web browser),

    Rs 499 / 3 months and Rs 1499 / year

    . Access content on any “4” devices at a time

    . All content can be enjoyed on any of our supported platforms (Mobile, Web, and supported Living Room devices)

    . Enjoy Ad-free Entertainment, except in LIVE content such as sports and other LIVE shows that continue to be ad-supported.

  • JioHotstar ticks all the boxes for a world class service

    JioHotstar ticks all the boxes for a world class service

    MUMBAI: It’s a winner! All we can do is doff our hats to Uday Shankar and his band of JioStar men. The vice-chairman of JioStar and his team,  early this morning, unveiled a new streaming service JioHotstar which simply blew you away.  

    The logo – reminding of you of a distant  rising star – the colours, the tiles, the ease of navigation, the interactivity, the sheer breadth, the depth, and width of content (a lot has been spoken about the Disney, WBD, et al library, the top sports in the country) –  it’s all there, all one can expect from a best in class service.

    Congratulatory messages from a  host of top  Hindi and regional cinema icons – led by Salman Khan –  on the launch of JioHotstar keep you watching, even the promo.

    Netflix, and team Sarandos, you’d  better wake up, and smell the coffee, you will have a battle of perception on your hands of an Indian company being able to create a global gold standard streamer.

    What should also worry the rest of the streamers is the spawning of Sparks – an area reserved for creator-led content. There’s shows from  Zakir Khan, Fukra insaan, there’s Munawar Faruqui, Urfi Javed, Harsh  Gujral, Ranveer Braar, and Rahul Dua. And mind you unlike in the past, the content is good with game shows, dating shows etc.

    Hey, before anyone thinks we are being paid to be euphoric about JioHotstar, here’s a confession: we are not.

    Our review of the new JioHotstar is based on genuine pride that a streamer of this quality can emerge from India. One that can rival global players, in terms of design, tech, ease of use, and of course that most important element content!

    In fact, if there’s one hassle with the new JioHotstar it is that there’s  a problem of plenty, there’s too much too much content. But India is a land of diversity and the attempt is to cater to that. Good search and recommendation engines can really make the surfeit of content not appear like a problem at all!