New Delhi: Reliance’s entertainment arm has inked a groundbreaking deal with The Pokemon to exclusively feature over 1,000 episodes and approximately 20 movies of the beloved Japanese anime series on JioCinema’s streaming app. The agreement, finalized this month, marks a strategic move to enhance content offerings in the fiercely competitive Indian streaming market, where Reliance aims to outshine rivals like Disney and other streaming giants.
This collaboration brings the enchanting world of Pokemon to Indian audiences in three local languages, adding a vibrant touch to the iconic franchise’s global multi-billion dollar presence in trading cards, games, TV shows, and movies. The undisclosed financial details notwithstanding, the partnership emphasizes the commitment to capture the imagination of young viewers.
Mukesh Ambani’s Viacom18, the entertainment joint-venture overseeing JioCinema, is making significant strides in bolstering its streaming platform’s appeal. With an estimated $7 billion value projected for the Indian streaming market by 2027, Ambani’s focus on diversifying content becomes paramount.
In a bid to outshine rivals such as Netflix and Amazon, as well as take on Disney’s Hotstar, JioCinema is set to introduce approximately 3,000 hours of captivating children’s content. This includes offerings from Entertainment One, Animaccord, Cartoon Network Studios, and DreamWorks, enriching the streaming experience for young audiences.
The deal also expands on Viacom18’s existing content agreements, showcasing its commitment to partnerships that enhance JioCinema’s library. Notably, JioCinema’s collaboration with NBCUniversal in May, encompassing kids and family programming, adds depth to the platform’s diverse content portfolio.
With the inclusion of popular series like “Succession” and “Game of Thrones” from a previous deal with Warner Bros Discovery Inc., Viacom18 continues to position JioCinema as a comprehensive streaming destination for audiences of all ages.
