Sourav Ganguly’s ‘Bigg Boss Bangla’ Among Highlights as Indian Media Giant JioStar Revenues Climb 10%
JioStar’s revenue from operations rose 10.1% year on year to INR68.1 billion ($710 million) in July–September, despite a weak advertising market, with Reliance citing subscription income and digital entertainment advertising. The growth came as profit after tax fell 13.2% to INR11.5 billion ($120 million) and operating margins narrowed, showing that higher revenue did not translate into stronger profits.
Sourav Ganguly hosted the first “Bigg Boss Bangla” on JioHotstar, whose six-language editions attracted more than 90 million viewers in their first three weeks. The platform averaged about 440 million monthly active users, up 10% year on year, while operating EBITDA fell 10.5% to INR13.7 billion and its margin dropped to 22.1% from 28.1%. Revenue was also down from INR109.5 billion in the previous quarter; Reliance said the streamer’s entertainment, sports and international audiences supported its performance.
In short
- JioStar revenue rose 10.1% despite weak advertising.
- Bigg Boss editions drew over 90 million viewers in three weeks.
- Operating EBITDA and margins fell year on year.
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The case for
The revenue growth and large audiences suggest JioStar’s mix of subscription income, digital advertising and multilingual entertainment is helping it reach viewers even in a weak advertising market. Investing in shows such as Bigg Boss Bangla and sustaining sports and international content could build engagement and support future growth.
The case against
The decline in profit, operating EBITDA and margins suggests that growth is becoming more costly and is not yet translating into stronger returns. Revenue also fell from the previous quarter, so the year-on-year increase and headline audience figures may not by themselves show that JioStar’s expansion is financially sustainable.
Explained simply
JioStar is an Indian media and entertainment company formed from the combination of Reliance’s media business and Disney’s Star India operations. It runs the JioHotstar streaming service and has a broad portfolio of television channels and digital programmes.
Sourav Ganguly is a former Indian cricket captain who has also worked as a broadcaster and television presenter. Bigg Boss is a reality television format in which contestants live together while being filmed; its Bangla edition is aimed at Bengali-speaking viewers.
JioStar earns money from subscriptions, advertising and sports and entertainment content. Its results matter to Reliance and to the wider Indian media industry because they show how streaming audiences and advertising demand affect revenue, costs and profits.
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