A New Label for Excel's Musical Output
Excel Entertainment founders Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani have officially launched Excel Music, a dedicated music label that will house original film soundtracks, scores, and collaborations with artists and creators. The announcement positions the new venture as an extension of Excel's storytelling brand, which has produced soundtracks for films ranging from Dil Chahta Hai and Rock On!! to Gully Boy. By establishing a standalone music operation, the founders are taking direct creative control over the musical side of their productions while opening the label to outside filmmakers.
Strategic Partnership With Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group has come on board as a strategic shareholder in Excel Music. Under the arrangement, UMG will also serve as the marketing and distribution partner, giving the new label reach across both domestic and international streaming platforms. The corporate backing signals a level of confidence in Excel's ability to translate its screen legacy into chart-performing music on a global scale.
Mirzapur: The Movie Soundtrack as Debut Release
Excel Music's first official release will be the soundtrack album for Mirzapur: The Movie, the feature-film extension of the popular franchise. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on September 4, 2026, moving the property from the OTT space to cinemas. Given the gritty musical identity associated with the Mirzapur series, the soundtrack is being framed as a high-profile launch title for the label.
Founders' Vision for the Label
Akhtar introduced Excel Music on social media, writing: "Some stories are remembered. Some songs are never forgotten. Today, those worlds come together. Introducing Excel Music." Speaking about the venture, he described Excel Music as "built on a legacy of storytelling and driven by a passion for music," adding that the label plans to partner with artists and creators to help "shape the soundtrack of tomorrow." Sidhwani joins him in steering the new operation.
Broader Ambitions Beyond Excel's Own Slate
While Excel Music will serve as the home for soundtracks and scores from Excel Entertainment's upcoming projects, its scope extends to releases from films created by other filmmakers and production houses across India. The launch therefore marks not just a vertical expansion for Excel Entertainment but the creation of an external-facing label positioned within the broader Indian film-music industry.
What Remains Uncertain
Details about the Mirzapur: The Movie soundtrack's track list, composer credits, and release timing ahead of the September 4, 2026 theatrical date were not disclosed in the launch announcement. The sources also do not specify the equity terms of UMG's strategic shareholding or the duration of the distribution arrangement.
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