The ceremony was a massive night for Neeraj Ghaywan and Vikramaditya Motwane, whose projects emerged as the definitive winners of the year, proving that substance and grit still hold the highest currency among critics.
Feature Films: The 'Homebound' Sweep 🏠
Neeraj Ghaywan’s 'Homebound', which received a standing ovation at Cannes 2025, was the undisputed star of the night, winning four major trophies.
Best Film: Homebound
Best Director: Neeraj Ghaywan (Homebound)
Best Actor: Vishal Jethwa (Homebound) – Beating out several mainstream superstars.
Best Actress: Priyanka Bose (Agra)
Best Supporting Actor: Pasupathy (Bison Kaalamaadan) – Marking his second Critics' Choice win.
Best Supporting Actress: Shalini Vatsa (Homebound)
Web Series: 'Black Warrant' & 'Paatal Lok' Dominate 🚔
The OTT space saw a fierce battle between crime thrillers, with 'Black Warrant' leading the pack.
Best Web Series: Black Warrant
Best Director: Vikramaditya Motwane & Team (Black Warrant)
Best Actor: Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok Season 2) – Consolidating his status as the king of the digital space.
Best Actress: Monika Panwar (Khauf)
Best Supporting Actor: Rahul Bhat (Black Warrant)
Best Supporting Actress: Tillotama Shome (Paatal Lok Season 2)
Short Films & Documentaries 📽️
Best Short Film: Maaybaapache Aashirwaad (Blessings)
Best Director (Short Film): Apurva Bardapurkar
Best Actor (Short Film): Sunny Hinduja (That's A Wrap)
Best Actress (Short Film): Sheeba Chaddha (Nighiyaan Chhavan)
Best Documentary: I, Poppy (Directed by Vivek Chaudhary)
Special Honours & Highlights 🌟
Extraordinary Contribution to Cinema: Veteran actress Farida Jalal was conferred with this prestigious honour for her decades-long journey and her recent impactful performance in The Great Shamsuddin Family.
Gender Sensitivity Award: Presented to the film 'Sthal' (A Match) for its poignant portrayal of societal structures.
Dhurandhar Connection: Interestingly, Akshaye Khanna had earned a nomination for his role in Dhurandhar, though the night ultimately favoured the indie-toned Homebound.
SantaBanta Verdict:
The Critics' Choice Awards continue to be the essential "reality check" for Indian cinema. In a year where big-budget spy thrillers are breaking every financial record, these awards remind us that quiet, rooted stories like Homebound and Agra are what truly push the creative envelope. Congratulations to all the winners!
