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*June 22, 2024 – India*: Streaming giant Netflix is facing significant backlash in India amid increasing criticism over its recently raised subscription prices. Many users and critics are voicing concerns on social media and in news outlets, expressing dissatisfaction with the price hikes and the company’s content decisions.
Consumer Frustration Over Price Hike
Netflix, known for its global selection of movies and TV shows, last made changes to its Indian pricing in December 2021, when it lowered rates to attract more subscribers. However, recent reports suggest that the platform is now facing discontent over another round of increased subscription prices targeting Indian consumers.
The higher costs come at a time of growing competition among streaming services in India, where platforms like JioCinema have aggressively expanded their subscriber base by launching new premium plans. For example, Mukesh Ambani recently announced that JioCinema has crossed 15 million subscribers, reflecting a highly competitive environment in the Indian streaming market.
Many Indian subscribers have taken to social media to complain about the rising costs, arguing that the price increases make Netflix less affordable compared to alternatives. Users are questioning the value of their subscriptions, especially when compared to the broader and cheaper offerings from newer players.
Content-Related Controversies
Alongside frustration over pricing, Netflix has also come under fire for its content. The recently released series “The Royals,” featuring Indian actor Ishaan Khatter, has garnered criticism from India’s real-life royals and cultural commentators. According to reports from Gulf News and Social Ketchup, figures from India’s royal families argue that Netflix’s series suffered from “inaccurate research and lack of representation.” They claim the show misrepresents royal lifestyles and fails to authentically portray the diverse heritage of India’s princely states.
The backlash has sparked further debate about the responsibility of international streaming platforms to consult with local representatives and provide authentic narratives, particularly when dealing with sensitive historical and cultural subjects.
Other original Netflix content has also become a point of contention. Sources indicate that the cancellation of shows like “The Recruit” has upset loyal fans, with some blaming competing titles such as “The Night Agent” for the decisions. This pattern of abruptly axing well-liked series has further fueled dissatisfaction among subscribers who are increasingly questioning the platform’s programming strategy.
Pressure From Competition
Netflix’s price increases arrive at a time when Indian consumers have more choices than ever. Platforms such as JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video are vying for market share by offering more affordable pricing and a rapidly expanding library of regional and international content. JioCinema, in particular, reported strong subscriber growth after introducing new premium plans, underlining the sensitivities of pricing in the Indian streaming marketplace.
Summary
Overall, Netflix’s strategy to raise subscription prices in India is encountering considerable pushback from customers. Concerns about value for money are being amplified by controversies over content accuracy and show cancellations, while fierce competition raises the stakes for the streaming service.
As Indian viewers weigh their options, it remains to be seen how Netflix will respond to this wave of criticism and whether it will reconsider its pricing or content strategies to address the concerns of the country’s vast digital audience.
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