What Excel Entertainment does

Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd is a privately held Indian film production and content studio founded in 1999 by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar and headquartered in Mumbai. The company operates two integrated lines of business: (i) theatrical feature film production spanning Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Manipuri cinema (Dil Chahta Hai, the Don franchise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy, KGF Hindi presentation, Boong, 120 Bahadur, Songs of Paradise, Ground Zero, Superboys of Malegaon, with upcoming releases including Mirzapur: The Movie, Lala Amarnath biopic, Antony, and a Salman Khan two-part period drama); and (ii) original web/streaming series, anchored on a multi-year partnership with Amazon Prime Video (Inside Edge, Mirzapur seasons 1-3, Made in Heaven seasons 1-2, Dahaad, Bambai Meri Jaan, Angry Young Men, Andhera) supplemented by Netflix originals (Dabba Cartel, Eternally Confused and Eager for Love). Excel's portfolio has earned two National Film Awards, an International Emmy nomination, India's official Oscar entry (Gully Boy), and in February 2026 the first BAFTA won by an Indian production (Boong).

The studio's business model is producer-share driven: revenue is generated through theatrical box-office producer cuts, licensed producer credits on streaming originals negotiated with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, presenter-fee and co-production profit shares on regional films (notably the KGF franchise with Hombale Films), and one-time strategic capital contributions from investors such as Universal Music Group, which acquired a 30% minority stake in 2025. Excel does not publicly disclose deal economics, does not maintain a direct-to-consumer app, and does not own a distribution network; instead it monetises IP through enterprise-level negotiations with platform and theatrical distribution partners. Distribution runs through multiplex and single-screen theatrical exhibition in India and globally, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix streaming, and select digital purchase channels (Apple iTunes) for catalogue titles.

The company's competitive positioning rests on a stable of recurring director-producers (Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Karan Anshuman, Gurmmeet Singh, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, Kunal Kemmu, Rahul Dholakia), deep institutional relationships with Amazon and Netflix, co-production partnerships with Tiger Baby, Salman Khan Films, Hombale Films, Dharma Productions and Aamir Khan Productions, and 25+ years of IP ownership spanning theatrical franchises and multi-season streaming properties. Co-founder Farhan Akhtar additionally brings individual brand equity as an actor, writer, director and UN Women goodwill ambassador, which reinforces the studio's creative credibility.

Name

Excel Entertainment

Legal name

Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd

Website

https://excelmovies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Excel Entertainment is a Mumbai-based Indian film and OTT production studio founded in 1999 by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, producing theatrical features (Don, ZNMD, Gully Boy, KGF Hindi) and original streaming series (Inside Edge, Mirzapur, Made in Heaven) for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, serving Indian and global audiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film and OTT Content Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)

akta.pro primary industry

Royalty, Reporting & Revenue Share Administration (MPADALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Home Entertainment Distribution (Digital: TVOD/EST) (MPADAJAE)

Keywords

• Film production services
• OTT series production
• Theatrical film distribution
• Streaming content licensing
• Regional cinema production

Headquarters

HQ city

Mumbai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Theatrical film production (producer credit): Revenue from producer-share of box office collections across theatrical film slate (Dil Chahta Hai, Don, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Fukrey franchise, Gully Boy, KGF Chapter 1 & 2 as presenter, etc.). Long-term theatrical IP ownership across 25+ years.
2. OTT/web series production and licensing: Production of original web series (Inside Edge 1-3, Mirzapur 1-3, Made in Heaven 1-2, Dahaad, Bambai Meri Jaan, Angry Young Men, Dabba Cartel, Andhera, Eternally Confused and Eager for Love) licensed to streaming partners Amazon Prime Video and Netflix under executive producer credit.
3. Strategic investor capital (Universal Music Group): Universal Music Group acquired a stake in Excel Entertainment as part of its 2025 strategic investments in high-growth markets, providing capital that contributes to the studio's funding base.
4. Co-production and presenter-fee revenue: Revenue from presenting films (KGF Chapter 1 and 2, Sye Raa, Ramayana, Tanvi The Great, Songs of Paradise) and co-production profit shares (Baar Baar Dekho with Dharma, Talaash with Aamir Khan, Boong with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Excel Entertainment is an Indian film and OTT content production studio that produces and owns original theatrical feature films and streaming web series. The studio's catalog spans Hindi theatrical films, regional-language co-productions, and India-first Amazon Prime Video and Netflix original series, distributed through theatrical release, streaming partnerships, and digital storefronts. Revenue is generated through producer-share of theatrical box office, streaming licensing fees, and co-production profit shares with regional studios.

Product overview

Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar in 1999, is an Indian film production and content studio operating across two integrated lines of business: theatrical feature films and original web/streaming series. The theatrical slate spans landmark titles such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, the Don franchise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Gully Boy, the Fukrey franchise, KGF (Hindi presentation), Raees, Toofaan, Madgaon Express, Superboys of Malegaon, Ground Zero, Boong and 120 Bahadur, alongside the upcoming theatrical release Mirzapur: The Movie. The OTT arm, built around India-first Amazon Prime Video original series, includes Inside Edge (India's first Prime Video original and an International Emmy nominee), the Mirzapur franchise (three seasons plus the 2026 film adaptation), Made in Heaven (two seasons), Dahaad, Bambai Meri Jaan, Andhera, Angry Young Men, the Netflix-original Dabba Cartel and Eternally Confused and Eager for Love. The portfolio is unified under one brand and led by a stable of associated directors (Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Karan Anshuman, Gurmmeet Singh, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, among others), with content distributed primarily through Prime Video, Netflix and traditional theatrical release.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dil Chahta Hai Excel Entertainment's debut feature film (2001), a coming-of-age Hindi theatrical film about three inseparable friends, directed by Farhan Akhtar. Won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Feature Film.
• Don (franchise) Cult Hindi crime-action thriller franchise (2006 onward) starring Shah Rukh Khan, written and directed by Farhan Akhtar, expanded into sequels and a planned Don 3 theatrical installment with Amazon Prime Video slate collaboration.
• Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Acclaimed Hindi road-trip buddy drama (2011) starring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol, directed by Zoya Akhtar; won three Filmfare awards including Best Film.
• Gully Boy India's first Hindi hip-hop film (2019) starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, directed by Zoya Akhtar; selected as India's official entry to the Academy Awards.
• Fukrey (franchise) Hindi comedy franchise (2013 onward) about four dream-chasing college friends, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba; spans three theatrical installments.
• KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) Hindi presentation Hindi theatrical presentation of the Kannada KGF franchise (Chapter 1 in 2018, Chapter 2 in 2022), presented by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar; won National Film Awards for Best Special Effects and Best Action.
• Inside Edge (web series) India's first Amazon Prime Video original series (2017), a cricket-corruption drama created by Karan Anshuman; nominated for an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series and ran for three seasons.
• Mirzapur (franchise) Crime-action franchise (2018-present) set in Purvanchal, India, executive produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar; three seasons on Prime Video being expanded into a 2026 theatrical film adaptation.
• Made in Heaven (web series) Drama series (2019) following Delhi wedding planners, created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti for Prime Video; two seasons released with multiple award wins.
• Dahaad (web series) Crime/drama/mystery series (2023) on Prime Video, co-directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi; first Indian web series to compete at the Berlin International Film Festival.
• Bambai Meri Jaan (web series) Action series (2023) on Prime Video chronicling the rise of organised crime in post-independent India across six decades, starring Kay Kay Menon and Avinash Tiwary, directed by Shujaat Saudagar.
• Andhera (web series) Horror series (2025) on Prime Video directed by Raaghav Dar, starring Prajakta Koli, Surveen Chawla, Priya Bapat and Karanveer Malhotra.
• Dabba Cartel (web series) Crime/drama series (2025) on Netflix directed by Hitesh Bhatia, starring Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Gajraj Rao and Shalini Pandey.
• Angry Young Men (documentary web series) Documentary series (2024) on Prime Video exploring the legacy of screenwriting duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, directed by Namrata Rao; co-produced with Salman Khan Films and Tiger Baby.
• Eternally Confused and Eager for Love (web series) Comedy/romance series (2022) on Netflix, created, written and directed by Rahul Nair, starring Vihaan Samat and Rahul Bose.
• Mirzapur: The Movie Upcoming theatrical prequel to the Mirzapur web series, presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, directed by Gurmmeet Singh; releasing in Hindi and Telugu on September 4, 2026.
• 120 Bahadur Action/drama/war film (2025) directed by Razneesh Ghai, starring Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, telling the true story of the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.
• Boong Manipuri-language children's and family film produced by Excel Entertainment with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures; first Indian production to win a BAFTA Award (Best Children's & Family Film, 2026).
• Ground Zero Action/drama/history film (2025) directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, starring Emraan Hashmi, based on the encounter of Ghazi Baba following the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
• Songs of Paradise Arts/culture/entertainment film (2025) directed by Danish Renzu, starring Saba Azad, Soni Razdan, Sheeba Chadha and Taaruk Raina, focusing on Kashmiri music icon Noor Begum.
• Superboys of Malegaon Comedy/drama (2025) directed by Reema Kagti, based on the life of amateur filmmaker Nasir Shaikh from Malegaon; produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti.
• Yudhra Action/thriller (2024) directed by Ravi Udyawar, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan.
• Agni Action/drama (2024) directed by Rahul Dholakia about Mumbai firefighters battling a mysterious surge in fires, starring Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu and Sai Tamhankar; released on Prime Video.

Quantifiable outcome

• First Indian-produced BAFTA winner (Boong, 79th British Academy Film Awards, February 2026)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor co-production partner, flagship theatrical co-production partner, core co-production partner, minor strategic partnership (fireside chat collaboration), flagship distribution and co-production partner, core streaming distribution partner, core theatrical distribution partner, major regional co-production partner and minor co-production partner (announced).

• A.R. Murugadoss Productionsminor co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Excel Entertainment is co-producing the action-thriller 'Antony' (starring Sunny Deol, Vijay Varma, Jyotika) alongside A.R. Murugadoss' production banner, with debut director Balaji Ganesh. Production began February 27, 2026, and theatrical release is targeted for early 2027.
• Amazon MGM Studiosflagship theatrical co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-production partner with Excel Entertainment on Mirzapur: The Movie, marking the franchise's transition from OTT streaming to theatrical release on September 4, 2026. The film will release globally in Hindi and Telugu.
• Salman Khan Filmscore co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Excel Entertainment co-produced the documentary docuseries 'Angry Young Men' (released August 2024 on Amazon Prime Video) with Salman Khan Films and Tiger Baby. The series explores the legacy of screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Executive producers include Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti.
• The Russo Brothers / AGBOminor strategic partnership (fireside chat collaboration)Strategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2022In July 2022, Excel Entertainment (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani) and AGBO (The Russo Brothers) held an exclusive fireside chat in Mumbai signalling a partnership and hinting at collaboration between the studios.
• Amazon Prime Videoflagship distribution and co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Long-term strategic partnership: Amazon Prime Video hosts Excel's original series (Inside Edge, Mirzapur franchise, Made in Heaven, Dahaad, Bambai Meri Jaan, Angry Young Men, Andhera). In March 2024, Excel and Amazon Prime announced a slate collaboration covering four projects (Don 3, Agni, Ground Zero and Yudhra). Excel was also the first Indian studio to produce an original Amazon Prime Video series (Inside Edge, 2017).
• Netflixcore streaming distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetflix hosts Excel Entertainment's original series Dabba Cartel (2025) and Eternally Confused and Eager for Love (2022), and provides catalogue syndication for select earlier Excel titles.
• Tiger Baby Filmscore co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerZoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's production banner Tiger Baby co-produces Excel's titles including Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Eternally Confused and Eager for Love and The Archies (under Tiger Baby). Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti serve as executive producers on these projects alongside Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.
• Chalkboard Entertainmentminor co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerChalkboard Entertainment co-produced Boong alongside Excel Entertainment and Suitable Pictures. Boong won the BAFTA for Best Children's and Family Film in February 2026.
• Suitable Picturesminor co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuitable Pictures co-produced Boong alongside Excel Entertainment and Chalkboard Entertainment. Boong won the BAFTA for Best Children's and Family Film in February 2026.
• Dharma Productionscore co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerDharma Productions (Karan Johar) co-produced Baar Baar Dekho (2016) with Excel Entertainment (Ritesh Sidhwani, Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar as producers).
• Aamir Khan Productionsminor co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerAamir Khan Productions co-produced Talaash (2012) with Excel Entertainment, with Aamir Khan starring and also serving as producer alongside Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.
• Eros Internationalcore theatrical distribution partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEros International co-distributed Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) with Excel Entertainment, listed alongside Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar as production partners.
• Konidela Production Company (Ram Charan)minor co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerExcel Entertainment partnered with Ram Charan's production banner on Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019 Telugu biopic starring Chiranjeevi), with Ram Charan credited as Producer.
• Hombale Films (Vijay Kiragandur)major regional co-production partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHombale Films' KGF franchise (KGF Chapter 1 in 2018 and KGF Chapter 2 in 2022) was presented by Excel Entertainment. Vijay Kiragandur is credited as producer, with K.V. Rama Rao as Executive Producer. KGF Chapter 2 won two National Film Awards and crossed Rs 1,000 crore globally.
• Aamir Khan Productions (Lala Amarnath biopic)minor co-production partner (announced)Strategic or Co-development PartnerAamir Khan and Excel Entertainment are reportedly co-producing the Lala Amarnath biopic (set during 1947 Partition) along with Rajkumar Hirani, with filming expected to begin around October 2026 and Ashutosh Gowariker directing. Farhan Akhtar is in talks to join the cast.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dharma Productions: Karan Johar's Mumbai-based film production house producing Hindi theatrical films and OTT content. Directly comparable to Excel as a top-tier Indian production banner competing for the same A-list acting talent, streaming commissions, and theatrical release slots.
• Red Chillies Entertainment: Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's production banner producing Hindi theatrical films and OTT series. Competes with Excel for the same star talent and streaming partnerships (notably Netflix India).
• Aamir Khan Productions: Aamir Khan's production banner which has co-produced titles with Excel (Talaash, Lala Amarnath biopic). Comparable as a star-led Hindi film production house targeting similar premium theatrical and streaming slots.
• Hombale Films: Vijay Kiragandur's Kannada production house behind the KGF franchise (presented by Excel) and other major Indian theatrical releases. Direct production and co-production peer in regional-language cinema with comparable tentpole scale.
• Salman Khan Films: Salman Khan's production banner that co-produced the documentary docuseries 'Angry Young Men' with Excel. Directly comparable as a star-led Indian production banner targeting similar streaming and theatrical audiences.
• Tiger Baby Films: Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's production banner that co-produces most of Excel's premium OTT slate including Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Dabba Cartel. Closely intertwined peer with overlapping leadership and identical Prime Video/Netflix distribution strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Eros International: Larger Indian film production and distribution company with a global theatrical and digital distribution network. Compares as a broader incumbent that has historically co-distributed Excel titles (e.g., Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) and competes for pan-Indian release windows.
• Yash Raj Films: India's oldest and one of the largest Hindi film production and distribution houses. Directly comparable as a Mumbai-based production banner with a large theatrical franchise catalog competing for the same star-driven Hindi film market.
• Viacom18 Studios: Broadcast and OTT conglomerate (JioCinema, Voot, Colors) producing and financing Indian theatrical and streaming content. Compares as a broader incumbent with in-house platform distribution competing for the same streaming commissions and original IP.
• Reliance Entertainment: Diversified Indian media and entertainment conglomerate producing and distributing theatrical films. Compares as a broader incumbent with pan-Indian theatrical distribution muscle and streaming ambitions competing with Excel for tentpole release slots.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/excelmovies
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/excelmovies
• Facebookfacebook.com/excelentertainment
• Instagraminstagram.com/excelmovies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/excelmovies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Excel Entertainment