Excel Entertainment Partners With Universal Music Group to Launch Excel Music Label
Production company Excel Entertainment has announced the launch of its dedicated music label, Excel Music. The venture is established in partnership with Universal Music Group, which serves as a strategic shareholder and will handle worldwide marketing and distribution operations. Excel Music will host musical scores and soundtracks from Excel Entertainment projects as well as films from independent filmmakers and external production banners.
What Happened
Excel Entertainment, co-founded by filmmakers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, has officially expanded its operations into the music industry with the creation of Excel Music. Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered the partnership as a strategic shareholder to lead distribution and marketing efforts across domestic and international markets, utilizing its global catalogue, distribution network, and artist roster.
The first project under the Excel Music banner will be the soundtrack album for Mirzapur: The Movie, which is set to hit theaters on September 4, 2026. The album’s inaugural song features artist Dhanda, a prominent figure in the Haryanvi music industry, marking his debut in Bollywood film music. The song is scheduled for release this week.
Key Highlights
- New Music Entity: Excel Entertainment has launched Excel Music as a dedicated platform for film soundtracks and musical scores.
- Strategic Partner: Universal Music Group is acting as a strategic shareholder and distribution/marketing partner.
- Debut Project: The label’s first album release is the soundtrack for Mirzapur: The Movie, releasing in theaters on September 4, 2026.
- Inaugural Track: The label’s first single features Haryanvi music artist Dhanda in his Bollywood debut, releasing this week.
- Broad Catalog Scope: Excel Music will feature music from Excel Entertainment’s future slate as well as soundtracks from other filmmakers and studios.
- Historical Context: Over the past two decades, Excel Entertainment’s film music catalogue has included titles such as Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees, and Gully Boy.
Why This Matters
The establishment of Excel Music provides direct control over soundtrack publishing and global distribution. Founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar stated that music has always held a special place in their creative journey, making the label a natural extension of their work. They expressed enthusiasm for working alongside creative talent to produce music that connects with audiences across generations.
Sanujeet Bhujabal, Managing Director of India and South Asia at Universal Music Group, highlighted Excel Entertainment’s two-decade history in contemporary Hindi cinema. Bhujabal stated that UMG is pleased to partner on the launch to help build a distinctive destination for music across various genres, leveraging UMG’s global roster, iconic catalogue, and distribution network to connect with listeners in India and internationally.
What to Watch Next
The debut track from Mirzapur: The Movie featuring Haryanvi artist Dhanda is set to launch this week. Following the initial single release, Excel Music will manage the rollout of the film’s full soundtrack ahead of the theatrical debut of Mirzapur: The Movie on September 4, 2026. Future soundtrack releases from Excel Entertainment and external production partners will subsequently follow through the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Excel Music?
Excel Music is a new dedicated music label launched by Excel Entertainment to manage and distribute film soundtracks and scores from its own roster and third-party filmmakers.
Who is partnering with Excel Entertainment on this label?
Universal Music Group (UMG) is partnering with Excel Entertainment as a strategic shareholder and handling marketing and distribution.
What will be the first release from Excel Music?
The label’s first release is the soundtrack album for Mirzapur: The Movie, beginning with a lead track featuring artist Dhanda.
When is Mirzapur: The Movie scheduled for release in cinemas?
Mirzapur: The Movie is scheduled for theatrical release on September 4, 2026.
Source: Based on official company announcements reported by Bollywood Hungama.