Disney+ Hotstar is the top streaming platform in India in terms of paid subscribers and that too by a distance. The main reason for this is live IPL coverage. The surprise is Sony LIV which is third best but that is also due to live sporting events.

The difference in subscribers between a Disney+ Hotstar and a Netflix means the number of views when it comes to films in India has to be taken with a pinch of salt. It is being seen that films on Disney+ Hotstar gets far more views than other platforms and that is the case with a film like HUNGAMA 2 which in no way can be called popular but the views are higher than many other bigger films.

It is basically like you are getting a 5000 screen release on Disney+ Hotstar but 500 screens on Netflix if we translate into cinema. The difference being that in cinema you get it on merit and the demand of the film but in streaming its about which platform and not about the film.

LAXMII (2020) probably remains the biggest film in terms of a streaming premiere though the numbers of this film have been surpassed by a film or two but it has to be looked in terms of the numbers of subcribers when the film was released. LAXMII (2020) also is the biggest blockbuster on satellite of all the films that premiered on OTT.

Also looking at the box office results of SOORYAVANSHI and PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01, it can be now said with certainty that this would have been the only film to become a HIT which did not release in cinemas in the last two years. LAXMII again would have been driven by Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Central belts.

The status quo of all these platforms can change as the IPL rights are up for renewal this year and another player Jio is expected to come into the foray.

The top streaming platforms and apprx paid subscribers in india at the beginning of 2022 were as follows.

1. Disney+ Hotstar - 4.75 crore

2. Amazon Prime - 2 crore

3. Sony LIV - 1.2 crore

4. Zee5 - 75 lakh

5. Netflix - 55 lakh