Lionsgate Play Ignites Excitement With 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 And Theatrical Release Strategy In India

A New Era for Lionsgate Play

Lionsgate Play has officially announced that the much-anticipated second season of “Heated Rivalry” is set to premiere in 2027, coinciding with a strategic pivot towards a theatrical-first release model for their Hollywood content in India. This bold move promises to deliver a curated slate of premium titles, with more than 100 premieres expected to hit screens by 2026.

Hollywood Hits Set to Dazzle Indian Cinemas

Starting in September, Indian audiences can look forward to an impressive lineup of 10–12 films that will make their theatrical debut before becoming available on the platform. This includes high-profile titles like Russell Crowe’s “Billion Dollar Spy,” Gerard Butler’s “Empire City,” Robert Pattinson's “Primetime,” Mark Wahlberg’s “By Any Means,” and the thrilling “Titan.”

Star-Studded Slate for 2026

The 2026 lineup doesn’t stop there. It’s packed with even more Hollywood heavyweights. Gerard Butler is back with “Greenland 2: Migration” and is joined by action star Jason Statham in “Mutiny.” Glamour icon Angelina Jolie will dazzle in “Couture,” while Zac Efron stars in “Famous,” and Matthew McConaughey takes the lead in “The Rivals of Amziah King.” Franchise fans will also be pleased to hear about “Apollo Has Fallen” and the return of “Vigil” for a third season.

“Over the past few years, we’ve built Lionsgate Play into a destination for bold, high-impact storytelling," said Rohit Jain, highlighting the platform’s evolution and future plans.

Expanding Reach Across Asia

Lionsgate Play currently operates in eight Asian markets, boasting over 40 million viewers in India alone. Distribution in India primarily occurs through a B2B2C model with partners like JioHotstar, Airtel Xstream, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. While focusing on Hollywood blockbusters, the platform also prides itself on offering regional originals under a multi-year licensing agreement with Lionsgate that covers both branding and content.