Ritesh Sidhwani on the rise of ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ and what’s next for Excel Entertainment
Introduction to the latest milestone
The dynamic landscape of Indian cinema is about to witness an exciting new addition with the global rollout of Superboys of Malegaon. This heartwarming film, co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Excel Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, first made waves at the Toronto International Film Festival before charming audiences at the BFI London Film Festival. Directed by Reema Kagti, Superboys of Malegaon promises to bring the story of resilience and dreams to a wider audience.
Behind the scenes: The making of a unique project
The real-life inspiration
Ritesh Sidhwani, the innovative co-founder of Excel Entertainment, was captivated by the genuine and endearing story of friends in Malegaon, India, who create parody films despite limited resources. Sidhwani greenlit the project over 15 years ago after discovering the real-life inspiration behind the tale. This long-standing passion project underscores a strong belief in the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema.
A message of hope
Sidhwani emphasized the universal appeal of the film, saying, ”It basically gives you that kind of hope, that, if you can dream of something and you have a goal in life, and you just keep pursuing it, you can achieve it.” His words resonate with the film’s core message—a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
From festivals to the world: The journey of Superboys of Malegaon
After successful screenings at prestigious festivals, Superboys of Malegaon is set for a theatrical release in India and international markets, including regions beyond the diaspora. Following its theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, ensuring it reaches a global audience.
Excel Entertainment’s legacy and upcoming projects
A brief history of Excel Entertainment
Founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and the multi-talented Farhan Akhtar, Excel Entertainment has long been a powerhouse in the Indian film industry. Their journey began with the cult classic Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. This iconic film marked the beginning of a new era in Bollywood, setting the stage for Excel’s future successes.
The exciting slate ahead
Excel Entertainment has a compelling lineup of projects in various stages of production. Among these is the highly anticipated action-drama Agni, directed by Rahul Dholakia, which will premiere on Prime Video in December. Additionally, the war film 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar and directed by Razneesh Ghai, is currently filming. Fans of the Don franchise can look forward to the latest installment starring Ranveer Singh, with Farhan Akhtar returning as director next year.
Excel’s unique commissioning philosophy
Emotional connection as a cornerstone
When it comes to selecting projects, Sidhwani stressed the importance of an emotional connection. “In our case, it’s very clear what we look for. I need to connect with the character on some emotional level. So whether it’s joy, sadness, happiness, whether it’s a superhero, anything, I just need to connect. And if I feel there is a connect, then that’s a story you want to be a part of and go out and excite millions of other people with your voice attached to it.”
Embracing market unpredictability
Sidhwani also addressed the fluctuating dynamics of the Indian theatrical market, noting recent box office triumphs like Stree 2. He attributes these successes to the audience’s desire for communal viewing experiences and the limited indoor entertainment options in India.
Looking forward: Diverse content and cross-industry collaborations
Excel Entertainment remains committed to producing diverse content across various platforms, carefully differentiating between theatrical and streaming releases. Sidhwani revealed ongoing plans to collaborate with directors from South Indian film industries, showcasing a dedication to blending regional flavors and tapping into a broader creative talent pool. With a project already in development, this strategy reflects Excel’s forward-thinking approach.
Sidhwani’s insights not only highlight the strengths and future aspirations of Excel Entertainment but also mirror the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. As Superboys of Malegaon embarks on its global journey, and with an impressive lineup of projects on the horizon, Excel Entertainment continues to pioneer and push boundaries in storytelling.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Excel Entertainment remind us all of the power of dreams, perseverance, and the deep connections that great storytelling can forge. Follow the latest updates and share your thoughts on these extraordinary projects with your friends and fellow film enthusiasts!