Excel Entertainment is expanding its creative horizon once again. In a monumental move for the entertainment sector, the celebrated production house has officially announced the launch of its dedicated music label, Excel Music. The venture is backed by Universal Music Group (UMG) as a strategic shareholder, marketing, and distribution partner, promising to bridge cinematic storytelling with standalone musical brilliance on a global scale.
Marking its debut with a massive cultural footprint, Excel Music’s very first official release will be the high-voltage soundtrack album of the much-awaited Mirzapur: The Movie, which is scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on September 4, 2026. Leading the musical charge is an explosive debut track featuring Dhanda, a prominent breakout star from the Haryanvi music industry, making his official Bollywood debut.
Sharing their vision behind the grand launch, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, founders of Excel Entertainment, stated:
“Music has always held a special place in our creative journey. Launching Excel Music is a natural extension of that passion, and we’re excited about the possibilities it brings. We look forward to collaborating with some of the finest creative talent and creating music that resonates with audiences across generations.”
The partnership with UMG could help Excel Music reach audiences beyond India.
Universal Music Group operates one of the world’s largest music networks and works with artists across genres and territories. Its marketing, distribution and publishing infrastructure may provide Excel Music with the resources to release Indian soundtracks and original songs across global markets.
The collaboration also creates opportunities for artists from UMG’s international roster to work with Excel’s future film and digital projects. The partnership could encourage creative exchanges between Indian musicians and global performers.
For Excel, the alliance allows the studio to build a music identity that extends beyond individual film releases. The label can potentially develop independent artists, create original albums and explore new forms of music-led content.
Founded in 1999 by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, Excel Entertainment has spent over two decades redefining the pulse of contemporary Indian cinema. Known for championing content-driven narratives, slick production values, and youth-centric culture, the banner kicked off its historic journey with the cultural touchstone Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
Over the years, Excel’s diverse filmography has consistently birthed classics and commercial blockbusters alike, including:
- Lakshya (2004)
- Rock On!! (2008)
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
- Raees (2017)
- Gully Boy (2019)
- The massively successful KGF franchise (Chapters 1 and 2)
- Fukrey franchise
- Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023)
Maintaining its reputation for heavy-hitting production slates, Excel Entertainment has an action-packed lineup slated for the big screen:
- Mirzapur: The Movie: Transitioning the iconic gritty television universe to the theatrical big screen, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, releasing on September 4, 2026.
- Untitled Action-Thriller: A high-octane suspense project starring Sunny Deol and Jyotika, directed by Balaji Ganesh and co-produced with A.R. Murugadoss.
- Lalkaara: An ambitious collaborative production venture slated for upcoming theatrical rollouts.
As a multi-hyphenate creator, actor, director, and producer, Farhan Akhtar continues to balance massive production responsibilities with high-profile creative endeavours.
Farhan Akhtar continues to work as an actor, filmmaker, producer and creative entrepreneur.
As an actor, Farhan proves his mettle with 120 Bahadur, a war drama inspired by the Battle of Rezang La. The film places him in a challenging and emotionally demanding role and marks another major project in his acting career.
Farhan is also attached to the much-discussed Don 3 as a filmmaker and producer. The filmmaker has also continued to discuss Jee Le Zaraa, the road-trip drama announced with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif. While the project has faced scheduling challenges, Farhan has maintained that the film remains an important creative ambition.
With the launch of Excel Music setting a fresh rhythmic tone, Excel Entertainment continues to cement its status as a total entertainment powerhouse, ready to conquer both the silver screen and global streaming playlists.
By: Bollyo
