Disney+ goes live for ‘small number’ of Hotstar users in India

Disney has quietly launched Disney+ in India ahead of its scheduled March 29 release.

The service comes via Disney-owned streamer Hotstar, with the app being updated to Disney+ Hotstar earlier this week. The updated app features a new logo and colour theme, though this is yet to be reflected on Hotstar’s website.

Now, 18 days before it was due to launch, Disney+ original content like The Mandalorian and Togo has been made available through the platform.

Hotstar has 300 million monthly active users, and was acquired by Disney as a part of the US$71 billion Fox acquisition.

A spokesperson for Hotstar operator Star India told TechCrunch that though users are reporting availability of the service, this is just a part of a test. The spokesperson said: “A limited release of the beta version of the Disney+ Hotstar app is currently being tested with a small number of consumers, in preparation for the full-fledged app launch on 29th March.”

Disney+ content will be offered through the Hotstar Premium product, which is available for INR299 (€3.84) per month or INR999 (€12.82) per year. There have been no announcements made on any potential cost changes.

Announcing the Indian expansion during its last earnings call, then-CEO Bob Iger said: “We see this as a great opportunity to use the proven platform of Hotstar to launch the new Disney+ service in one of the most populous countries and fastest-growing economies in the world.”