Ritesh Sidhwani Reflects on 25 Years of Excel Entertainment and Creative Philosophy
As Excel Entertainment prepares for the theatrical release of Mirzapur: The Movie, co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani is marking a milestone of 25 years in the Indian entertainment industry. In a recent interview, the producer reflected on the studio’s cinematic journey, its focus on diverse narratives, and its commitment to backing creative decisions.
What Happened
Speaking about Excel Entertainment’s quarter-century journey, Ritesh Sidhwani addressed the factors that drive the banner to tell particular stories. He noted that the company’s early projects were distinct from one another, beginning with Dil Chahta Hai, which introduced friendship and bromance themes to Indian cinema, followed by Lakshya, Don, and Honeymoon Travels.
Sidhwani explained that over the years, the banner made a conscious choice not to limit itself to a single genre, opting instead to support diverse creative voices. According to the producer, Excel Entertainment moves forward with a film only when there is complete conviction in the story. When certain backed projects failed to perform, the production house continued to stand by its filmmakers without assigning blame.
Key Highlights
- Ritesh Sidhwani is marking 25 years in the Indian entertainment industry as co-founder of Excel Entertainment.
- Sidhwani highlighted the company’s genre variety over the years, referencing landmark projects including Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don, and Honeymoon Travels.
- The production house maintains an approach of only developing projects in which it believes 100 percent, standing by those decisions regardless of the commercial outcome.
- Excel Entertainment and Amazon MGM Studios have released the teaser and trailer for Mirzapur: The Movie, which adapts the popular franchise for the big screen.
- Mirzapur: The Movie is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, directed by Gurmmeet Singh, and written by Puneet Krishna.
Why This Matters
Sidhwani’s reflections provide insight into the creative and operational philosophy of Excel Entertainment. Rather than adhering to a single formula, the studio has pursued multiple genres and maintained long-term creative relationships. At the same time, the banner is executing one of its major cinematic expansions by taking the Mirzapur franchise from digital streaming into movie theatres.
What to Watch Next
Mirzapur: The Movie is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 4, 2026. The production is presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, with co-producers Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Mirzapur: The Movie be released in cinemas?
Mirzapur: The Movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 4, 2026.
Who are the key creative leads behind Mirzapur: The Movie?
The film is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. It is produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers.
What is Excel Entertainment’s criteria for greenlighting a film?
According to co-founder Ritesh Sidhwani, the company only proceeds with a project if it genuinely believes in the narrative 100 percent, while remaining open to diverse genres and voices.
Source: Bollywood Hungama