The 19th edition of IAMAI’s India Digital Summit featured a session on how technology, access, and innovation are transforming India’s entertainment landscape. Led by Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar, and Ashish Pherwani, EY India’s Media & Entertainment Leader, the discussion covered the growth of digital entertainment in India.
Mani highlighted India’s technological evolution, noting how affordable devices like the JioBharat phone have expanded digital access, bringing millions of new viewers to platforms like JioCinema. He also emphasized the need for sustainable subscription models, citing JioCinema’s success with a Rs 29 price point, which helped it gain 20 million subscribers in six months.
With India’s digital ad market booming, Mani stressed the importance of combining storytelling with data-driven advertising to create engaging consumer experiences. He also discussed how the OTT space is revolutionizing content consumption, with content like JioCinema’s Olympics coverage boosting viewership through innovative features.
Mani concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous investment in technology and content to ensure the entertainment ecosystem remains accessible and sustainable, positioning JioCinema as a key player in India’s digital entertainment future.