London-based streamer Mubi launches in India

Streaming service Mubi has launched in India, with the aim of developing a niche following in the already competitive market.

Film specialist streaming platform Mubi launches at an inaugural price of $2.75 for the first three months, with two new channels for the region, Mubi India and Mubi World.

Subscription holders will be charged $7 a month after the first three-month trial and $66.75 for an annual subscription.

In a statement, Mubi chief executive Efe Cakarel said: “I can’t wait to see people enjoying the incredible lineup of films we have, and I’m delighted that we can now spotlight local filmmakers and cinema through Mubi India every single day.”

Mubi India is a channel dedicated exclusively to Indian cinema, The streamer has inked partnerships with several distributors including the National Film Development Corporation, Shemaroo, PVR Pictures, Ultra and FilmKaravan.

Launch titles include Kamal Swaroop’s cult classic Om Dar-B-Dar, Kanu Behl’s Clermont-Ferrand title Binnu Ka Sapna, and Mani Kaul’s Duvidha.

Mubi World will feature films including Amy, 12 Years A Slave, and A Bigger Splash.

Mubi content advisor and producer Guneet Monga who joined the company in September this year, said: “I’m thrilled we have launched a dedicated channel for Indian cinema as it means that film lovers can now watch amazing films like Salaam Bombay and Andaz Apna Apna, alongside globally renowned gems like Moonlight.”

In June this year, Mubi launched in Southeast Asia, starting with Malaysia and with another six territories in the region following.

The service has a unique approach to its content strategy in that it offers one new film per day, available on the service for just 30 days.

Speaking at IBC last year, Cakarel said: “Subscription is becoming the dominant form of content consumption, the market is growing really fast and we are growing with it, in fact, we’re growing faster than the market.”

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