The partnership will see over 1.8 million Vodafone subscribers in the country have access to Eros Now, the Bollywood-oriented VOD platform. 

Users will also be able to access the company’s new Eros Now Quickie short-format content. 

Globally, Eros Now boasts 18.8 million paid subscribers and 154.7 million registered users. 

Commenting on the announcement, Ali Hussein, COO of Eros Digital, said: “Eros Now is constantly working towards creating ground-breaking content that connects with audiences globally. Our association with Vodafone Qatar further reinforces our aim of providing Indian entertainment content and build deeper engagement with the consumers in the country.” 

Shavkat Berdiev, chief business unit director of Vodafone Qatar added: “With Vodafone Qatar’s rapid deployment of 5G technology that promises incredibly high network speeds, we are strengthening our digital services portfolio through strategic partnerships with leading global digital players. The already high consumption of movies and videos on our network will grow even further and the viewing experience will become even better with 5G. I’m confident that our association with Eros Now will provide an enriching experience to our customers.”

The announcement follows the signing of a landmark deal between Eros with Wasu that has seen Eros Now as the only Indian OTT player to have distribution in China.

The deal will see Eros Now as the only Indian OTT player to be distributed in China. 

Wasu has 125 million users via its cable TV, OTT, IPTV distribution network that reaches over 100 cities in China. 

As of March, Eros Now has 18.8 million paid subscribers and 154.7 million registered users. This represented a 138% increase in paid subscribers over the preceding 12 months.

Bollywood content has seen a marked increase in attention in China in recent years, with movies like Dangal, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Andhadhun all seeing a great deal of commercial and critical success.

A release from Eros boasts that “while other OTT players have tried to initiate partnership deals in China, none have been confirmed so far except Eros Now”.

Rishika Lulla Singh, CEO of Eros Digital said: “We have always believed that content is not limited by boundaries. China is a great market for Bollywood content and our partnership with WASU Media and uCast ties in with our ethos of connecting with Bollywood fans across the world. Through such alliances, we will continue to build on our global reach for Eros Now.”

Lu DanQiang general manager of Wasu New Media Operations added: “WASU Media’s partnership with Eros and uCast significantly promotes the development of Indian film and television in China, delivering more Bollywood content to Chinese audiences. Chinese film fans now have the opportunity to watch high quality Indian film and TV content, which is a win-win cooperation for both parties.” 

The announcement also pleased investors, with stock prices rising 6.5% following the news.