In a major development for the Indian film industry, Bollywood production powerhouse Excel Entertainment, founded by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, has reportedly sold a minority stake to Hollywood behemoth Universal Studios. This strategic partnership marks a significant entry for the international studio into the Indian market and follows a similar high-profile deal involving Dharma Productions last year.
A Strategic Partnership for Expansion
According to a report by Mid-day, the discussions between Excel Entertainment and Universal Studios have been ongoing for some time. The Hollywood giant, keen on establishing a stronger foothold in India's vibrant cinematic landscape, has now acquired a minority stake in the Indian production house. The controlling share will remain with the original founders, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, ensuring they retain creative and operational control.
A source close to the development indicated that this infusion of capital and global partnership is aimed at scaling up Excel's future productions. "Excel wants to expand the scale of its productions going ahead. There are big ideas in the pipeline," the source revealed. This move mirrors the October 2024 deal where Karan Johar's Dharma Productions sold a 50% stake to Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India.
Excel's Legacy and Recent Challenges
Founded in 2001 with the iconic film Dil Chahta Hai, Excel Entertainment has been a defining force in modern Bollywood. The studio's filmography includes critically and commercially acclaimed titles such as Lakshya, Don, Rock On!!, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Fukrey, and the Oscar-nominated Gully Boy.
However, the studio faced a tough year in 2025, with its three major theatrical releases—Superboys of Malegaon, Ground Zero, and 120 Bahadur—underperforming at the box office. Looking forward, Excel plans to adapt its popular web series Mirzapur for the big screen with Mirzapur: The Film.
Anticipated Projects in Limbo
The partnership news arrives at a time when two of Excel's most awaited projects are facing significant delays. The third installment of the hit Don franchise, starring Ranveer Singh, has been postponed yet again. It was reportedly scheduled to begin filming soon but is now in a holding pattern.
Similarly, Jee Le Zaraa, the much-talked-about female-led road trip film starring Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif, also remains in development limbo with no concrete updates. The fresh capital and alliance with Universal could potentially help accelerate these stalled projects.
Reflecting on Excel's journey during its 20th-anniversary celebrations, Farhan Akhtar had shared an emotional note on Instagram, thanking the team and audiences for their unwavering support. This new chapter with Universal Studios aims to write the next phase of that journey, blending Excel's distinctive storytelling with global reach and resources.
