Excel’s Ritesh Sidhwani talks Superboys of Malegaon and Future Slate

Indian producer Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment, is gearing up for the global launch of Superboys of Malegaon, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and screened at the BFI London Film Festival.

The film is a production of Amazon MGM Studios, Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby. Directed by Reema Kagti, it tells the story of a group of friends in Malegaon, India who produce parody films with limited resources. Sidhwani greenlit the project over 15 years ago after learning about the real-life inspiration behind the story.

“Basically, if you can dream about something and have a goal in life and just keep pursuing it, it gives you hope that you can achieve it,” Sidhwani said diversity.

Following its festival launch, Superboys of Malegaon is slated to hit theaters in India and international markets, including non-diaspora territories, before streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Founded by Sidhwani and filmmaker, musician and actor Farhan Akhtar, Excel launched in 2001 with Dil Chahta Hai, directed by the latter. Excel’s upcoming slate includes the action drama “Agni,” directed by Rahul Dholakia, premiering on Prime Video in December; War film “120 Bahadur” starring Akhtar and directed by Razneesh Ghai, currently being shot; and the latest installment in the Don franchise, starring Ranveer Singh, which Akhtar will direct next year. The company is also developing series and features that are in various stages of production.

Speaking about Excel’s commissioning philosophy, Sidhwani said, “In our case, it is very clear what we are looking for. I have to connect with the character on an emotional level. Whether it’s joy, sadness, happiness, whether it’s a superhero, anything, I just have to connect. And if I feel like there’s a connection, then that’s a story that you want to be a part of and inspire millions of other people with your voice. For us, it has to be about the fundamental connection of an emotional connection to the character and the story.”

Sidhwani noted the unpredictability of the Indian cinema market and pointed to recent record-breaking box office successes, including Stree 2. He attributes this to audiences’ desire for communal viewing experiences and limited indoor entertainment options in India.

Looking forward, Excel Entertainment would like to continue producing content on various platforms, distinguishing between theatrical and streaming releases. Sidhwani also announced plans to collaborate with directors from the South Indian film industry; a project is currently in development.