Key Facts
- ✓ Lionsgate sold its South Asian and Southeast Asian streaming operations to founder Rohit Jain.
- ✓ Jain served as president of Lionsgate Play Asia for eight years.
- ✓ The deal was disclosed on Tuesday.
- ✓ Lionsgate will retain its theatrical business in the region.
- ✓ Jain will leave Lionsgate to take ownership of the platform.
Quick Summary
In a major move for the Asian streaming market, Lionsgate has sold its South Asian and Southeast Asian streaming operations to founder Rohit Jain. The transaction, disclosed on Tuesday, transfers full ownership of the Lionsgate Play platform to the executive who built the service.
This strategic divestiture marks the end of an eight-year chapter for the studio in the region. Jain will depart Lionsgate to lead the platform as an independent entity, while the studio retains its core theatrical distribution business.
The Deal Details
The agreement centers on the transfer of Lionsgate Play assets in India and Southeast Asia. Rohit Jain has acquired the streaming platform, effectively spinning it off from the parent studio.
Key elements of the transaction include:
- Full ownership transfer to Rohit Jain
- Covers South Asian and Southeast Asian regions
- Lionsgate retains theatrical operations
- Jain exits his executive role at Lionsgate
This separation allows the streaming service to operate with greater agility in a competitive market, while Lionsgate maintains its focus on film distribution.
"The executive developed the service during an eight-year tenure as president of Lionsgate Play Asia."
— Source Content
Architect's New Role
Rohit Jain is not a new entrant to the business; he is the architect behind the platform's regional success. During his eight-year tenure as president of Lionsgate Play Asia, Jain was responsible for developing and scaling the service.
His deep understanding of the local market dynamics positions him well to lead the platform independently. By acquiring the business he helped build, Jain ensures continuity for the brand and its subscribers. The move transitions him from a corporate executive to an independent owner.
The executive developed the service during an eight-year tenure as president of Lionsgate Play Asia.
Strategic Implications
For Lionsgate, this sale represents a strategic pivot. The studio is streamlining its international footprint by exiting the direct-to-consumer streaming business in these specific regions.
The decision highlights a broader industry trend where major studios are re-evaluating their direct streaming operations in favor of licensing and theatrical models. By retaining its theatrical business, Lionsgate continues its presence in the region's cinema market while shedding the operational costs of a standalone streaming platform.
For the streaming market in India and Southeast Asia, the acquisition introduces a new independent player backed by experienced leadership.
Market Context
The transaction occurs within a rapidly evolving streaming landscape. Regional platforms are competing fiercely for subscribers against global giants, making scale and local expertise critical.
Independent ownership may allow Lionsgate Play to tailor its content strategy more closely to local tastes without the constraints of a multinational corporate structure. The deal signals confidence in the long-term viability of regional streaming services.
Key factors influencing the market include:
- Increasing demand for local language content
- Intense competition from global streamers
- Need for specialized regional expertise
- Shift toward asset-light business models
Looking Ahead
The sale of Lionsgate Play to Rohit Jain is a definitive moment for the platform and the regional market. It sets the stage for a new era of independent operation under proven leadership.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the platform evolves under new ownership. The move underscores the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry and the value of specialized regional expertise.
