Lionsgate has completed the sale of its South Asia streaming service, Lionsgate Play, to its founder, Rohit Jain. The terms of the transaction, including the sale price, have not been disclosed. Jain will assume full ownership of the platform and manage its operations independently, while Lionsgate will license the Lionsgate Play brand name to him. Additionally, Lionsgate will continue to supply films and television series to the service as part of a multi-year agreement.
This strategic move comes as Lionsgate aims to monetize Lionsgate Play, which it considers a non-core asset, while maintaining its focus on core studio film and television operations in India and Southeast Asia. Rohit Jain has been pivotal in the development and expansion of Lionsgate Play over the past eight years, having served as the president of Lionsgate Play Asia.
Transforming the Streaming Landscape
Under Jain’s leadership, Lionsgate Play shifted from a niche Hollywood service to a broader entertainment platform tailored for the Asian market. Jain joined Lionsgate in 2018, establishing the studio’s Mumbai office, and led the launch of the streaming service through a partnership with Starz. The platform initially offered a collection of Hollywood content, including blockbuster films and popular series. To expand Lionsgate Play’s reach beyond India, Jain forged strategic partnerships with major telecommunications companies, broadband providers, and global streaming platforms.
According to Brian Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of Lionsgate, “Under his stewardship, the Lionsgate brand has gained greater resonance with audiences in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and Lionsgate Play has emerged as a distinctive premium streaming platform in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital entertainment markets.” Goldsmith praised Jain’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the Asian landscape, emphasizing his capability to guide Lionsgate Play into a new phase of growth.
The sale of Lionsgate Play follows Lionsgate’s recent decision to separate its studios business from Starz, which is now operating as an independent entity. Jain expressed optimism about the platform’s future, stating, “Lionsgate Play has established itself as a leading destination for Hollywood content in India and is now positioned to expand well beyond that, shaping a differentiated, future-ready streaming platform for the region.”
As Lionsgate continues its focus on studio operations, the sale marks a significant transition for Lionsgate Play, now under Jain’s exclusive management. The move highlights a growing trend in the streaming industry, where regional adaptations and partnerships are becoming essential for success in diverse markets.
