Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani have launched Excel Origins, a new initiative focused on discovering and supporting young Indian filmmakers under 30. The announcement comes as their first film, Dil Chahta Hai, completes 25 years.
Akhtar and Sidhwani were just 26 when they started working on Dil Chahta Hai. Released in 2001, the film became an important part of Indian cinema and connected strongly with a young generation. Now, 25 years later, the duo wants to give young filmmakers a similar opportunity to bring their own ideas to the screen.
Excel Origins will look for emerging directors, writers and other creative talent with original stories. The initiative will cover different genres and storytelling styles. The idea is to support new voices instead of only depending on already established formats and familiar ideas.
In a joint statement 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.”
They said the new initiative follows the same thinking that shaped Excel Entertainment when it began. 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 further 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.”
Since Dil Chahta Hai, Excel Entertainment has produced films including Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the Don and Fukrey franchises, Raees, Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy. The company has also produced shows including Inside Edge, Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Dahaad and Bambai Meri Jaan.
Farhan Akhtar was last seen in 120 Bahadur, released in 2025. The film was co produced by Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios and focused on the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino Indian War.