Disney+ Hotstar Premium set to become the second most expensive OTT subscription in India

• Walt Disney is all set to launch its Disney+ streaming service in India starting April 3.
  
• But this new addition to Hotstar will not be easy on the many of its subscribers.
  
• Hotstar will increase its annual subscription price to ₹1,499 ($20)
  

Amid Coronavirus crisis, Walt Disney is all set to launch its Disney+ streaming service in India starting April 3. It will be a part of the country’s most popular OTT platform, Hotstar, which has over 300 million monthly active users.

Disney+ and Hotstar are both part of the same parent company, Walt Disney. And they are utilizing the strength of their network.

But this new addition to Hotstar will not be easy on the many of its subscribers. As it offers a new range of entire Disney library, Hotstar will increase its annual subscription price to ₹1,499 ($20). This will make Disney+ Hotstar the second most expensive OTT service in India after Netflix to offer a premium subscription at ₹1499. The OTT services also promises to let users view its free content library which includes several movies like Chhichhore, Mission Mangal and soap operas like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai. However, the free content library will not have any Disney+ originals or shows.

“Today, as we unveil Disney+ Hotstar, we take yet another momentous step in staying committed to our promise of delivering high-quality impactful stories for India that have not only entertained but also made a difference in people’s lives, a promise that is even more meaningful in challenging times such as this, Uday Shankar - President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India said.

Disney+Hotstar subscription fee

While Netflix charges ₹5,988 per annum for its basic plan, Amazon charges ₹999 yearly for its prime membership and comes jumbled with access to its music streaming, and other shopping deals.

Premium plans of OTT platforms in India


All existing subscribers of Hotstar will be automatically upgraded to their respective new subscription plans and will be charged the new rates upon renewal.

Disney+ was earlier scheduled to launch on March 29. Disney also rolled out a beta app to test the streaming service for select users. But they delayed the launch after health authorities identified clusters of coronavirus in several parts of the country and cancelled the IPL cricket matches.

As people spend more time in seclusion, the usage of OTT and others has been going up and is expected to grow further. “We hope the power of Disney’s storytelling, delivered through Hotstar’s technology, will help our viewers find moments of comfort, happiness and inspiration during these difficult times,” Shakar added.

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