RITESH SIDHWANI & FARHAN AKHTAR

Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar in 1999, has reshaped Indian Cinema over the past two decades.

Beginning with the groundbreaking film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001, they have consistently pushed the envelope in cinematic storytelling. Their diverse filmography includes classics like ‘Lakshya’, set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War, the thrilling ‘Don’, and the bittersweet comedy ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd’. They’ve also produced notable films like ‘Talaash’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and ‘Fukrey’ and ventured into

new territory with ‘Gully Boy’, India’s first hip-hop film and an official entry to the Academy Awards. Significantly, Excel Entertainment’s contributions have been recognized with two National Awards, the highest honour given by the President of India, for providing wholesome entertainment. These accolades are a testament to their commitment to quality cinema and their impact on the Indian film landscape.

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have been pivotal in this journey, blending their creative vision with a knack for identifying compelling stories. They’ve collaborated with the best in both Indian and international filmmaking, bringing global standards to Indian cinema. Excel Entertainment has embraced the digital age, producing India’s first

original series for Amazon Prime Video. Their first series Inside Edge, was nominated for an International Emmy for Best Drama Series. Following its success, they partnered with Amazon Prime for Mirzapur and Made in Heaven. Mirzapur went on to become the highest watched Indian original series at the time of its release, cementing Excel’s reputation as a frontrunner in the OTT ecosystem. They further strengthened this collaboration with acclaimed titles like Dahaad and Bambai Meri Jaan, which were both critically lauded and widely viewed.

Excel partnered with Netflix to bring forth its creative vision, collaborating on original series Dabba Cartel and the widely celebrated original film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, further deepening their relationship with global platforms while bringing uniquely local stories to audiences across geographies.

In 2026, Excel Entertainment achieved a historic milestone when the Manipuri feature film Boong, produced in collaboration with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film. The win made Boong the first Indian film ever to receive the honour, marking a landmark moment for Indian cinema.

With these achievements, Excel continues to elevate India’s presence in global cinema and is committed to delivering exceptional content to audiences worldwide.