Excel Entertainment has officially launched Excel Music, a dedicated music label that marks a major step for the production house. The label comes with Universal Music Group (UMG) as a strategic shareholder and marketing and distribution partner, giving the new venture strong global backing from day one.
Excel Music launch backed by Universal Music Group partnership
The partnership between Excel Entertainment and Universal Music Group goes beyond just the new label. According to Variety, UMG has taken a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, a deal that values the studio at ₹2,400 crore. This investment gives Universal Music Group a significant seat at the table in one of India's most successful production houses.
The deal also adds UMG's Devraj Sanyal to Excel's board, as reported by YouTube. This move gives UMG global rights to future soundtracks from the studio, making the partnership a long-term play rather than a one-off arrangement.
Mirzapur: The Movie soundtrack is Excel Music's first release
Excel Music's first release will be the soundtrack album of Mirzapur: The Movie, which is set to hit cinemas on September 4, 2026. Leading the album is its first song featuring Dhanda, a prominent name in the Haryanvi music industry. This track marks Dhanda's Bollywood debut, and it is set to release this week.
The choice of Mirzapur for the label's launch is no accident. The franchise has a massive fan following, and its music has always been a talking point. Starting with a known property gives Excel Music immediate visibility in a crowded market.
Excel Entertainment's music catalogue history
Excel Entertainment has a rich history with music in its films. Over the past two decades, the production house's catalogue has included Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Baar Baar Dekho, Raees and Gully Boy. These films are known for their memorable soundtracks, and Excel Music will now house film soundtracks going forward.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal gives UMG global distribution rights for original soundtracks from the studio. This means Excel's future film music will reach audiences worldwide through UMG's extensive network.
What this partnership means for Indian film music
The structure of this deal is worth paying attention to. Universal Music Group is not just distributing music — it has bought into the company itself. As Universal Music Group stated, this is about "deepening our roots in one of the world's most vibrant entertainment markets."
For Excel Entertainment, this partnership brings global reach to its music. For UMG, it secures a pipeline of Bollywood soundtracks with built-in audiences. The deal also signals that international music companies see real value in Indian film music — not just as a local product, but as something with global potential.
Our Take: A smart move that changes how film music works
In our view, this partnership is a significant shift in how Bollywood music will be handled. Traditionally, film soundtracks were licensed to music companies on a film-by-film basis. With Excel Music, the production house now owns its music label and has a global giant as a partner.
This gives Excel Entertainment more control over its music rights and revenue. It also means the studio can plan music releases strategically, rather than negotiating fresh deals for every film. For artists like Dhanda, it opens a door to Bollywood with global distribution already in place.
The real test will be whether this model delivers. If Mirzapur's soundtrack performs well, expect other production houses to follow this path. If it struggles, the industry will take note. Either way, the launch of Excel Music with Universal Music Group's backing is a clear signal that film music in India is entering a new phase.
Sources & References
- Variety — Universal Music Takes 30% Stake in India's Excel Entertainment
- The Hollywood Reporter — Universal Music Buys 30 Percent Stake in India's Excel Entertainment
- YouTube — UMG-Excel Deal Details
- Universal Music Group on LinkedIn — Partnership Announcement
- Fortune India on LinkedIn — UMG Acquires 30% Stake
