JioCinema will reportedly start charging its users after the end of TATA IPL 2023. The streaming platform will add over 100 movies and TV series to its platform to take on Netflix, Disney Plus Hotstar and other streaming platforms. However, according to Jyoti Deshpande, media and content business president at Reliance, the content will be paid for viewing. In an interview with Bloomberg, Deshpande said that the expansion will coincide with JioCinema starts charging for content. That said, IPL live streaming will remain free regardless of the expansion plan.
The company is yet to finalize the Jio Cinema plans; However, Deshpande noted “both value and content are front of mind in JioCinema’s expansion.” She also said that currently, the digital streaming space is being majorly controlled and influenced by content from the West. “Jio Studios wants to be a catalyst for the cross-pollination of talent. We want to be as Indian as possible.
Price is a major factor here, this is because India is a price-conscious market which forced Netflix to cut its subscription prices to make way for itself in the Indian market. Many regional OTTs are also attracting good customer base these days due to increased engagement of local cinema-loving audience.
Its new movies and TV series will be made available on Jio Cinema before the end of IPL on 28th May. By then, Jio Cinema will be there for IPL live streaming as well as its shows and movies for all users across India. JioCinema aims to keep tariffs simple for viewers and offer as much Indian content as possible.
