Key Highlights
- Dhruv Dhar’s "Dhurandhar" clinched fourteen trophies, eclipsing all competitors.
- "Homebound", an Oscar‑nominated title, secured the coveted Best Film award.
- Ranveer Singh and Yami Gautam were honoured as Best Actor (Male) and Best Actress respectively.
- Technical excellence was dominated by "Dhurandhar", which won accolades for cinematography, VFX, sound, and more.
- Separate OTT categories recognised streaming‑original productions such as "Stolen".
Detailed Insights
The 2026 edition of the Chetak Screen Awards convened in New Delhi to celebrate the year’s most distinguished cinematic achievements. While the ceremony highlighted a blend of commercial blockbusters and critically lauded films, the statistical dominance belonged to "Dhurandhar". The film amassed fourteen honors across acting, direction, and technical domains, underscoring its holistic craftsmanship. Conversely, "Homebound"—already distinguished by an Oscar nomination—captured the Best Film prize, indicating that narrative potency can supersede sheer tally of awards.
In the performance sector, Ranveer Singh’s portrayal in "Dhurandhar" earned him the Best Actor (Male) trophy, whereas Yami Gautam’s work in "Haq" garnered the Best Actress accolade. Supporting categories highlighted Akshaye Khanna (Male) and Shalini Vatsa (Female) for their respective roles. Breakthrough recognitions shone on newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, as well as director Shazia Iqbal for "Dhadak 2".
Technical and creative fields displayed a pronounced bias toward "Dhurandhar": Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography, Shivkumar V. Panicker’s editing, and Bishwadeep Chatterjee’s sound design all received top honours. The film also triumphed in VFX, production design, and action choreography. Music awards were more dispersed, with the title track of "Saiyaara" and Gulzar’s lyrics for "Gustaakh Ishq" receiving top recognition.
OTT-specific segments acknowledged the rising influence of streaming platforms, awarding "Stolen" as the premier OTT film and acknowledging its director, lead actors, and screenplay.
Key Concepts
- Best Film (Category): The principal accolade recognising overall cinematic excellence, often reflecting narrative depth and audience impact.
- Breakthrough Performance: An award designated for emerging talent that delivers a standout portrayal, signaling future industry prominence.
- Technical Awards: Distinctions that honor behind‑the‑scenes craftsmanship such as cinematography, editing, sound design, and visual effects.
- OTT Awards: A subset of honors that celebrate productions released primarily on over‑the‑top streaming services rather than traditional theatrical distribution.