The much-awaited Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is set to bring back the charm, credibility, and grandeur of Indian film awards. Organized by the prestigious The Indian Express Group, this event is returning with a renewed vision—one that places talent, merit, and artistic excellence at the center of recognition.
After years of evolving cinematic standards and audience expectations, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 aims to restore trust in film awards by focusing on fairness, transparency, and genuine appreciation of craft. With Bollywood’s biggest names expected to gather under one roof, the event promises to be a spectacular celebration of Indian cinema.
When and Where Will Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Take Place?
The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 will be held on April 5, 2026, in the vibrant city of Mumbai, widely known as the heart of the Indian film industry.
Where to Watch Live
Fans across the country and globally can enjoy the ceremony through multiple platforms:
| Platform | Availability | Time |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Live Streaming | From Evening |
| Sony LIV | Live Streaming | From Evening |
| Sony TV | Television Broadcast | 8:00 PM IST |
This wide accessibility ensures that audiences everywhere can be part of this grand cinematic celebration.
Who Are the Hosts of Chetak Screen Awards 2026?
The hosting lineup for Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is one of the biggest highlights of the evening.
- Leading Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt will headline the event as the main host. Known for her performances in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Highway, Alia brings charm and charisma to the stage.
- Popular comedian and actor Sunil Grover will add humor and entertainment.
- Stand-up sensation Zakir Khan will bring his unique storytelling style.
- Journalist Saurabh Dwivedi will also host, adding depth and insight to the show.
This diverse hosting panel ensures a perfect blend of glamour, humor, and intellectual engagement.
What Makes Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Special?
Unlike many traditional award ceremonies, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is designed to prioritize credibility over popularity.
- A total of 31 categories will honor excellence.
- Awards will cover both theatrical releases and OTT films.
- Recognition will extend beyond actors to include technicians, writers, designers, and creators.
This inclusive approach ensures that every contributor to cinema gets their due recognition.
Top Contenders Leading the Nominations
The nominations this year reveal some clear frontrunners:
| Film | Nominations | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Dhurandhar | 24 | Spy Thriller |
| Saiyaara | 17 | Romantic Musical |
| Homebound | 15 | Drama |
- Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as the strongest contender.
- Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, continues to impress with its music and storytelling.
- Homebound, by Neeraj Ghaywan, stands out for its emotional depth.
How Are Winners Selected?
The winners of Chetak Screen Awards 2026 are chosen by the Screen Academy, an independent, non-profit body.
The evaluation process has been carefully designed by Dr. Priya Jaikumar from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
Key Features of the Selection Process
- Transparent scoring system
- Independent jury panel
- Merit-based evaluation
- No external influence
This system ensures that only deserving talent is recognized.
Screen Academy Members
The Screen Academy includes over 50 respected names from across the film industry. Some of the prominent members include:
- Karan Johar
- Kabir Khan
- Rajkumar Hirani
- Vidya Balan
- John Abraham
- Ronnie Screwvala
- Resul Pookutty
These members represent a wide range of expertise—from direction and acting to music, editing, and production design.
Major Nomination Categories and Highlights
Best Film Nominees
| Film Name |
|---|
| Dhadak 2 |
| Dhurandhar |
| Haq |
| Homebound |
| Saiyaara |
| Sitare Zameen Par |
| Superboys of Malegaon |
| Chhaava |
Best Actor (Male)
| Actor | Film |
|---|---|
| Vicky Kaushal | Chhaava |
| Siddhant Chaturvedi | Dhadak 2 |
| Ranveer Singh | Dhurandhar |
| Vishal Jethwa | Homebound |
| Ishaan Khatter | Homebound |
| Manoj Bajpayee | Jugnuma: The Fable |
| Adarsh Gourav | Superboys of Malegaon |
Best Actress (Female)
| Actress | Film |
|---|---|
| Tripti Dimri | Dhadak 2 |
| Yami Gautam Dhar | Haq |
| Konkona Sen Sharma | Metro… In Dino |
| Monica Panwar | Nishanchi |
| Radhika Apte | Sister Midnight |
| Kriti Sanon | Tere Ishq Mein |
Best Director
| Director | Film |
|---|---|
| Laxman Utekar | Chhaava |
| Aditya Dhar | Dhurandhar |
| Neeraj Ghaywan | Homebound |
| Mohit Suri | Saiyaara |
| Reema Kagti | Superboys of Malegaon |
Best OTT Film
| Film |
|---|
| Mrs |
| Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders |
| Stolen |
| The Great Shamsuddin Family |
| The Mehta Boys |
Technical Categories Recognizing Craft
The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 goes beyond acting to honor technical brilliance:
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Production Design
- Best Background Score
This ensures recognition of the unsung heroes behind the camera.
Breakthrough Talent Categories
New Female Talent
| Name | Film |
|---|---|
| Rasha Thadani | Azaad |
| Sara Arjun | Dhurandhar |
| Riddhima Singh | Humans in the Loop |
New Male Talent
| Name | Film |
|---|---|
| Aman Devgan | Azaad |
| Ahaan Panday | Saiyaara |
| Samuel Robinson | Delhi Dark |
Also Read: Rakasa Movie Review: A Unique Blend of Fantasy, Comedy, and Horror in Telugu Cinema
Why Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Matters
The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is not just another award show—it represents a shift in how excellence is recognized in Indian cinema.
Key Highlights
- Focus on merit-based recognition
- Inclusion of OTT and theatrical films
- Transparent and unbiased selection process
- Recognition of technical and creative professionals
At a time when audiences are demanding authenticity, this award aims to rebuild trust and credibility.
Also Read: Dhurandhar 2: Big Reveal of ‘Bade Sahab’ Sparks Massive Buzz After Preview Shows
Conclusion:
As the countdown begins, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant film events of the year. With a strong emphasis on fairness, a star-studded lineup, and a wide range of categories, it promises to celebrate cinema in its truest form.
From glamorous performances to emotional acceptance speeches, and from fierce competition to well-deserved victories, the night will be a true tribute to storytelling and creativity.
Whether you are a film enthusiast, a critic, or simply a fan of Bollywood, this is one event you should not miss.
