The alliance is expected to support Universal Music Group’s expansion ambitions in India while enabling Excel Entertainment to scale up its production slate
.jpg)
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment is set to enter a strategic partnership with Universal Music Group (International), marking a significant development in India’s entertainment landscape. Sources indicate that discussions between the two sides have been underway for several months, with the global music powerhouse keen to deepen its footprint in the Indian film ecosystem.
The alliance is expected to support Universal Music Group’s expansion ambitions in India while enabling Excel Entertainment to scale up its production slate. Multiple large-format projects are already in development, aligning with Excel’s long-term vision to broaden both creative scope and global reach.
Notably, the deal involves a minority investment, ensuring that founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani retain majority ownership and full creative control. Industry observers see this as a strategic move that strengthens Excel’s valuation while preserving its independent creative identity.
The announcement coincides with Excel Entertainment completing 25 years in the business. Since its debut with Dil Chahta Hai in 2001, the banner has delivered some of Hindi cinema’s most defining titles, including the Don franchise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy, and the Fukrey films. Excel has also been at the forefront of India’s OTT boom with widely acclaimed series such as Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, and Dahaad.
Looking ahead to 2026, Don 3 and Jee Le Zaraa remain among Excel Entertainment’s most talked-about upcoming projects. While no fresh official updates have been announced, anticipation around both films continues to build, keeping industry watchers and audiences alike keenly invested in what’s next for the production house.