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Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani have launched Excel Origins, a major new initiative aimed at discovering, developing, and backing Indian filmmakers under 30. The announcement comes as their iconic debut film, Dil Chahta Hai, turns 25.
Akhtar and Sidhwani were just 26 when they began work on the landmark movie, which went on to become a defining title for its generation. Now, through this new push, they aim to support young directors, writers, and emerging talent with original ideas across various genres.
The initiative marks a significant milestone for the production company as it celebrates 25 years since its founding. Launched to coincide with the silver anniversary, Excel Origins is designed to build on the founders’ long-standing philosophy of championing fresh voices and creative risk-taking.
In a joint statement, while speaking to Variety India, Sidhwani and Akhtar said, “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.”
The two said Excel Origins is an extension of that founding philosophy, now applied to a new generation of talent. The initiative is intended to build on the company’s long-standing focus on fresh voices, original ideas and creative risk-taking.
They added, “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 said, “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.”
Under the new banner, Excel plans to scout emerging directors and writers and give them backing and creative latitude to pursue original material rather than proven formats. The search will cover multiple genres and storytelling forms, and will also extend to casting opportunities for actors and other talent at an early stage in their careers.
Sidhwani and Akhtar described the effort as bigger than any single slate of titles. They said the aim is to create an ongoing supply line of new directing, writing and acting talent, along with original intellectual property, that will shape Excel’s output in the years ahead.
Since Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Excel Entertainment has built a filmography that includes Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the Don and Fukrey franchises, Raees, Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy.
The company also produced Inside Edge, India’s first original series for Prime Video, followed by Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Dahaad and Bambai Meri Jaan for the platform.
Apart from backing aspiring filmmakers, Akhtar last appeared in director Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai’s 120 Bahadur (2025). The film was co-produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios.
Depicting one of the most significant encounters of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the film brings to light the iconic Battle of Rezang La. Fought on 18 November 1962, it details how 120 Ahir soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, stood their ground against a 3,000-strong Chinese Army force—killing and wounding over 1,300 enemy troops in a heroic defense of their post.
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