Excel Entertainment forms alliance with Netflix to produce original shows

Netflix has announced a multi-year partnership with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment. Under this partnership, they will be coming up with a variety of stories for the OTT giant under their digital banner Excel Media and Entertainment. 

One of the shows they have announced is titled Dabba Cartel. “It is a story of five housewives who run a high stakes secret cartel,” read a statement from Netflix. 

The other one is called Queen of the Hill. “Style, ambition, love, friendship and betrayal set in the backdrop of jazz rich 1960s Mumbai, Queen of the Hill chronicles the dynamic relationship between two ambitious women that will change the city forever,” read the statement. 

Speaking about the partnership, Monika Shergill, vice-president, content, Netflix India, said, “We are excited to join hands with Excel Entertainment, one of India’s path-breaking creative studios. They have continuously pushed the boundaries of entertainment and given us stories that have stood the test of time. We are delighted to welcome them to Netflix.” 

Akhtar and Sidhwani said in a joint statement, "Our partnership with Netflix marks a new global chapter for Excel Entertainment after 20 eventful years in storytelling. We’re excited about the opportunity to create a variety of extraordinary stories to entertain people in India and around the world. We are thrilled to begin this next chapter with Netflix."

This deal comes at a time when Excel Entertainment's Dil Chahta Hai (2001) has completed 20 years. Over the years, the banner has gone on to make successful films such as Don (2006), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Dil Dhadakne Do (2014) and Gully Boy (2019).

Akhtar has recently announced his next directorial venture, Jee Le Zaraa, starring Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. The banner has also joined forces with Ashutosh Gowariker for the upcoming movie Pukar.