Indian OTT Landscape is Set to Change

Disney+ Hotstar is one of the pioneers of Over the Top (OTT)video streaming services in the country, reaching over 300 million users today. Disney + Hotstar's coverage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup clash between India and Pakistan was the most-streamed event of all time, with 35 million concurrent viewers tuning in on 14th March. The platform is well known for its extensive library, which includes hundreds of films and shows. Disney+ Hotstar has three subscription tiers in India: Mobile, Super, and

Premium. However, besides being the streaming service partner of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the streaming service provider is filling the news with its acquisition rumors. Disney has been exploring strategic options for its Indian operations, including an outright sale or forming a joint venture.

The latest reports suggest that Sony Pictures
Entertainment is in early discussions with the Walt Disney Company to acquire its Indian business. According to a report by Mint, Sony Pictures, the global entertainment arm of Japan’s Sony Group, is eyeing Disney India as a potential contingency plan if its merger deal with Zee Entertainment fails or faces further delays. Sony is not alone in the race. Private equity firm Blackstone has also initiated discussions with Walt Disney Co. to explore the possible acquisition of Disney's streaming and television operations in India. The reports are also coming in that Disney + Hotstar has also talked with Reliance Jio to explore a possible merger with JioCinema. We will have to wait and see how the story develops and who gets to have the pioneer in their hold.