The Chetak Screen Awards 2026, streamed live on YouTube via the official Screen Awards channel, reaffirmed why this ceremony—backed by the Indian Express Group—has earned its reputation as India’s most credible film honours for over 27 years. Unlike popularity-driven shows, these awards are judged by an academy of industry peers with zero room for campaigns or external influence. Excellence in craft, storytelling, and technical brilliance took centre stage at the star-studded Mumbai event.
Hosted with charm, wit, and plenty of laughs by Alia Bhatt alongside comedian Zakir Khan (with Sunil Grover also adding comic flair), the night blended glitz, genuine emotion, and sharp roasts. Alia kicked things off in a stunning white saree and later switched to a sharp pantsuit, effortlessly guiding the proceedings while sharing anecdotes about cinema’s “curtain” heroes—writers, designers, and technicians. Zakir Khan stole several viral segments with his signature deadpan humour, including a cheeky AIB callback that left Alia stunned and the audience in splits, plus a monologue roasting Bollywood’s fake love for blockbuster Dhurandhar.
Dhurandhar: The Night’s Undisputed Champion
Aditya Dhar’s high-octane Dhurandhar (starring Ranveer Singh) dominated the evening, walking away with a staggering 14 awards. The film’s technical mastery and performances were impossible to ignore.
Key wins for Dhurandhar:
- Best Director – Aditya Dhar
- Best Actor (Male) – Ranveer Singh
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) – Akshaye Khanna
- Best Cinematography – Vikash Nowlakha
- Best Editing – Shiv Kumar Pankar
- Best Sound Design – Vishwadeep Chatterjee
- Best Special Effects – Dhruti Ranjan Sahu
- Best Production Design – Saini S Jwari
- Best Background Score – Shashwat Sachdev
- Best Action – Ejaz Gulab C and team
- Best Costume Design – Smriti Chauhan (shared win)
- Best Hairstyling & Makeup – Preeti Sheel Singh D’Souza
- And more in choreography and dialogue categories.
Best Film Honour Goes to Homebound
While Dhurandhar cleaned up the technical and lead acting categories, Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed Homebound was crowned Best Film. The film also picked up Best Supporting Actress for Shalini Vatsa. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful storytelling still reigns supreme.
Acting Honours and Breakthrough Stars
- Best Actress (Female): Yami Gautam for Haq
- Best Supporting Actress: Shalini Vatsa (Homebound)
- Breakthrough performances included Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for Saiyaara, and Shazia Iqbal for Dhadak 2 (Best Breakthrough Director).
OTT Excellence Shines Bright
The awards also celebrated digital cinema. Stolen emerged as a big OTT winner with:
- Best OTT Film
- Best OTT Director – Karan Tejpal
- Best OTT Actor (Male) – Abhishek Banerjee
Sanya Malhotra’s performance in Mrs. earned acclaim in the Best Actress OTT category.
Unforgettable Moments & Special Recognitions
The evening wasn’t just about trophies. Javed Akhtar delivered a soul-stirring poetry recitation, while a lively opening dance sequence set a celebratory tone. Aamir Khan joined Alia in a hilarious skit poking fun at “senseless awards,” and stand-up segments had the crowd roaring. Technical crew members, often the unsung heroes, received heartfelt recognition throughout.
Special awards honoured lifetime contributions and standout music, with names like Gulzar and Shreya Ghoshal shining in the soundtrack categories for Saiyaara.
Why the Chetak Screen Awards Matter
In an era of influencer-voted trophies and social media noise, the Screen Awards stand apart by prioritising merit, craft, and integrity. As the official description notes, “This isn’t just an award show; it is where excellence is truly recognised.” The 2026 edition—with over 3.2 million views on the live stream—proved that audiences still crave authentic celebration of cinema.
Watch the full ceremony here: Chetak Screen Awards 2026 LIVE
From technical brilliance in Dhurandhar to emotionally resonant wins for Homebound and Stolen, the night belonged to the films and artists who pushed boundaries. Here’s to more cinema that inspires, entertains, and earns its place in history.
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