The filmmakers announced the initiative through a post on Excel Entertainment’s Instagram handle on Monday, reflecting on the journey that began 25 years ago with a simple belief in new voices and unconventional storytelling.

“25 years ago, we started Excel Entertainment and began work on a film called Dil Chahta Hai,” the note read, recalling the company’s first major milestone. “We had a simple thought — new voices and a different way of telling stories will find an audience.”

At the time, Akhtar and Sidhwani were just 26. The note acknowledged that they did not have all the answers but had the willingness to take risks and the determination to see their vision through.

That belief found its defining expression in Dil Chahta Hai, Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna. The film followed three college friends — Akash, Sameer and Siddharth — whose contrasting personalities and evolving relationships offered a fresh take on friendship and young adulthood. The film went on to become a commercial success, reportedly earning more than ₹40 crore at the box office.

A quarter of a century later, Excel Entertainment is turning that original philosophy towards a new generation.

“So as Excel celebrates the silver anniversary, we're launching ‘EXCEL ORIGINS’ — an initiative to discover and back the next generation of filmmakers. New voices. Original stories. Breakthrough genres,” the founders said.

The initiative, they added, is rooted in the idea that the most meaningful way to celebrate Excel Entertainment’s past is to invest in the future of cinema.

“25 years of Excel. Now, back to our Origins.”

With Excel Origins, Akhtar and Sidhwani are looking to create a platform for young filmmakers who bring fresh perspectives, original narratives and new cinematic possibilities to the Indian screen.