We Indians love movies and TV series, and it is the most preferred mode of entertainment in our country. Thanks to the U.S. television shows, youth in India is becoming more open to streaming as well. However, until now there has been no exclusive streaming service for us, such as Netflix, but now the scenario is changing for better as Netflix is planning to enter India.
As per a report published by the Times of India, “US-based Netflix, has firmed up plans to enter India by 2016, according to people familiar with the matter. This has sent domestic DTH players into a tizzy with some of the major ones chalking out strategies to diversify beyond television. On the cards are iconic shows including Buniyaad, Nukkad and Malgudi Days on various mobile devices across iOS and Android.” The report also quotes a representative from Netflix, he says, “We have said we plan to be nearly global by the end of 2016. We have nothing else to share at this point.”
This news has caused a stir among the DTH providers in India, many of them are already planning strategies to combat Netflix. A Tata Sky spokesperson told TOI, "It's similar to Starbucks entering India. Everybody knew about it but cafe brands were late to react and Starbucks came and stole the show. We don’t want to be caught on the wrong foot,” he said.
Netflix entering India is not exactly new as such reports have been making rounds since the year 2013. Due to many hindering factors such as Net Neutrality, license pre-requisites, internet availability, the streaming service has not yet made a debut in the country.
Other streaming service such as HOOQ had announced streaming and downloading movies and TV shows for a price of Rs 199 per month. Another streaming service by Amazon is also planning to enter India. Now that the streaming segment is heating up, we expect to see how the Indian viewers react.
Are you excited with Netflix finally coming to India? Let us know through your amazing comments!
