AltBalaji to create over 60 original series with Zee5; moves content behind paywall

At a time when Netflix has launched a cheaper mobile-only plan and Apple has priced its over-the-top (OTT) service at Rs 99 per month to entice Indian viewers, AltBalaji has moved its content behind a paywall. The content includes original shows and films from the house of Balaji Telefilms.

AltBalaji, which claims to be the cheapest in the market, offers a three-month subscription at Rs 100 while the annual subscription costs Rs 300. Rival Hotstar’s monthly subscription costs Rs 299 —including cricket — while the annual fee is Rs 999. Netflix, which has international content along with an India library comprising programmes in over 10 regional languages, offers an entry price point of Rs 499. The mobile plan costs Rs 199 per month.