Global music and entertainment major Universal Music Group has entered India’s film and content ecosystem with a minority investment in Excel Entertainment, the Mumbai-based production banner led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
The transaction, concluded after extended negotiations, is set to be formally announced at a press briefing in Mumbai today. The official announcement is expected to take place in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting the significance being attached to the partnership.
The collaboration signals a deeper alignment between global music capital and India’s rapidly expanding film-OTT-music ecosystem. For Universal Music Group, the investment strengthens its strategic exposure to Indian cinema, soundtracks and original content at a time when the country is emerging as a key growth market. For Excel Entertainment, the partnership opens up global distribution, music integration and international collaboration opportunities across its future slate.
People aware of the deal structure said the investment does not dilute founder control. Akhtar and Sidhwani will continue to hold a majority stake and retain full creative oversight, with the partnership designed to be strategic rather than operational.
For Universal Music Group, which operates globally across recorded music, publishing and artist services, the Excel deal ranks among the most prominent minority investments by a global music company in an Indian production house.
The move reflects rising international interest in Indian storytelling, soundtracks and creator-led IP, as Indian content increasingly travels across borders and platforms.