The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 has officially unveiled its nominations, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated celebrations of Indian cinema and OTT content. Leading the nominations this year is the spy thriller Dhurandhar, which has secured an impressive 24 nods, establishing itself as the frontrunner across multiple categories.
Following closely behind is Saiyaara with 17 nominations, while Homebound has earned 15 nominations, highlighting a strong year for diverse storytelling across genres and platforms.
Organised by the Screen Academy under The Indian Express Group, the awards recognise excellence across 31 categories, spanning both theatrical releases and OTT films from 2025. The awards, established in 1995, continue to maintain a strong reputation for credibility and transparency in the selection process.
This year’s evaluation process saw participation from over 95% of Academy members, with each category being judged by an average of 38–40 members. A structured scoring system based on a trimmed mean methodology was implemented to ensure fairness and objectivity. The process was further strengthened by a detailed evaluation framework developed by Professor Priya Jaikumar of the University of Southern California.
Among the major categories, the Best Film nominations include titles such as Dhurandhar, Saiyaara, Homebound, Chhaava, Dhadak 2, Haq, Sitaare Zameen Par, and Superboys of Malegaon, reflecting the wide spectrum of cinematic narratives explored over the past year.
In acting categories, prominent names such as Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Manoj Bajpayee, Konkona Sen Sharma, Radhika Apte, Kriti Sanon, and Triptii Dimri have been nominated, showcasing both established talent and emerging performers.
The awards will take place on April 5 and mark a significant milestone this year as the ceremony will be broadcast live for the first time in two decades. With a special partnership with YouTube, the event will be accessible to global audiences, while also being telecast on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.
The nominations reflect the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, where theatrical and digital platforms are increasingly shaping storytelling and audience engagement. With a strong lineup of contenders, the 2026 edition promises to be a celebration of creativity, performance, and innovation in Indian cinema.
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