Mumbai, India – As Excel Entertainment commemorates its 25th anniversary, co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have announced “Excel Origins,” a new initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of Indian filmmakers under the age of 30.
Sidhwani and Akhtar, who were both 26 when they established Excel Entertainment and embarked on their inaugural film, “Dil Chahta Hai,” reflected on their journey. “Dil Chahta Hai” not only became a seminal film for its era but also established the company’s commitment to embracing fresh perspectives, innovative concepts, and creative risk-taking.
In a joint statement, the founders shared their philosophy: “25 years ago, we started Excel Entertainment and began work on a film called ‘Dil Chahta Hai.’ We had a simple belief – New voices and a different way of telling stories, will find an audience. We were 26 years old. We didn’t have all the answers but we had an idea we believed in, the courage to take risks and the tenacity to make it happen.”
They articulated that “Excel Origins” is a natural evolution of this foundational principle, now applied to a new wave of talent. “As we look back at everything this journey has given us, we also find ourselves thinking about what the next 25 years has in store for us. We believe it will include Excel empowering young, aspiring filmmakers with bold ideas and the courage to tell stories differently,” they stated. “So, as Excel celebrates its silver anniversary, we’re launching Excel Origins – an initiative to discover and back the next generation of filmmakers. New voices. Original stories. Breakthrough genres. Because the best way for us to celebrate where we came from is to invest in where cinema goes next. 25 years of Excel. Now, back to our Origins.”
Through this new program, Excel Entertainment plans to identify and support emerging directors and writers, providing them with the necessary backing and creative freedom to develop original content, moving away from conventional or pre-established formats. The company’s search will encompass various genres and storytelling methodologies, and will also extend to casting opportunities for actors and other burgeoning talent.
Sidhwani and Akhtar emphasized that “Excel Origins” transcends the scope of a single production slate. Their objective is to establish a continuous pipeline of new directing, writing, and acting talent, alongside original intellectual property, which will shape Excel’s future productions. This initiative is positioned as a strategic investment in unproven talent at a time when much of the industry often prioritizes established names and familiar formulas.
Since “Dil Chahta Hai,” Excel Entertainment has cultivated an impressive filmography, including titles like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” the popular “Don” and “Fukrey” franchises, “Raees,” “Dil Dhadakne Do,” and “Gully Boy.” The company has also made significant inroads into digital streaming, producing “Inside Edge,” India’s first original series for Prime Video, followed by acclaimed series such as “Mirzapur,” “Made in Heaven,” “Dahaad,” and “Bambai Meri Jaan.”
