Prime Video seems to be testing the patience of its subscribers in India.
Over the past few weeks, viewers have noticed a frustrating pattern, films that were previously available as part of the subscription are suddenly being put behind an additional paywall.
The most recent example? Some Like It Hot. Just days ago, the classic was free to stream, but today, it comes with a price tag. This isn’t the first time either. Babylon faced the same treatment earlier, raising eyebrows among loyal fans.
The problem isn’t just with individual titles, it’s with the entire SVOD model that Prime Video is pushing.
Subscribers already pay a hefty annual or monthly fee, expecting access to a robust library of films and shows. Instead, they’re being asked to shell out more money for major titles, many of which form the very reason they signed up in the first place. Understandably, audiences feel cheated.
Streaming was supposed to be the antidote to cable TV frustrations, one subscription, unlimited content. But with Prime Video blurring the line between subscription and transactional models, customers are left questioning the value they’re really getting.
If Prime Video continues down this path, it risks alienating its core base in India, a market where audiences are highly sensitive to pricing and value. At a time when competition from Netflix or JioHotstar is heating up, upsetting subscribers with surprise charges may not be the smartest move.