The label, announced on Monday, is backed by UMG as a strategic shareholder, with the global music company also serving as its marketing and distribution partner.
Excel Music’s first release will be the soundtrack album of Mirzapur: The Movie, which is slated for a theatrical release on September 4. The album’s lead single, featuring Haryanvi singer Dhanda in his Bollywood debut, is scheduled to be released this week.
The launch operationalises a key element of the partnership announced earlier this year, when UMG acquired a 30% stake in Farhan Akhtar- and Ritesh Sidhwani-led Excel Entertainment at an enterprise valuation of Rs 2,400 crore. The alliance envisaged the creation of a dedicated music label, with UMG handling global marketing and distribution for future music releases while also securing global distribution rights for original soundtracks from Excel-controlled projects.
For Excel Entertainment, whose films include Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Rock On!!, Karthik Calling Karthik, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Dhadakne Do, the label marks an effort to deepen its presence in music, a key part of its film and streaming business. The company said Excel Music will build on its catalogue while creating new opportunities for artists and original music.