Indian National Cine Academy Awards Nomination List Released: Dhurandhar, Kantara: Chapter 1 in the Lead

On March 18, the Indian National Cine Academy Awards (INCA) revealed the nomination list. Supported by the Producers Guild of India, the inaugural INCA Awards 2026 takes place on April 15 to 16, 2026, in Mumbai, honoring films released in 2025. Presented by Kalyan Jewellers, INCA has created a national platform to celebrate excellence across the diverse landscape of Indian cinema. It seeks to unite artists, technicians, producers, and industry institutions under a unified academy-led framework that recognises outstanding achievements in cinema. 

Not to be surprised, films like Dhurandhar, Kantara: Chapter 1, and more have made it to the top of the nomination list. Take a closer look!

Indian National Cine Academy Awards Nomination List

The nominations for the INCA Awards have been selected from films that were released theatrically between January and December 2025. Films are expected to apply for consideration for the awards formally.

The nominations span 25 award categories, including four principal awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. The awards are presented across each of the 12 Indian languages, along with 21 additional categories recognising excellence across Indian cinema as a whole, honouring achievements in performance, music, writing, and technical crafts. The top 10 films that made it to this year’s nomination list are as follows:

1. Dhurandhar 
2. Lokah Chapter One: Chandra
3. Kantara: Chapter 1 
4. Chhaava 
5. Saiyaara 
6. Laalo: Krishna Sada Sahaayate 
7. Rudra 
8. Mirai 
9. Homebound
10. The Girlfriend

These top 10 films have emerged as the most recognised films. This year’s INCA Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place on 16 April in Mumbai. It is expected to witness the presence of leading filmmakers, actors, technicians, producers, and industry leaders from across the country. All in all, the Indian National Cine Academy Awards will be one of the most significant gatherings of the Indian film fraternity.