The 2026 edition of the Screenwriters Association (SWA) Awards has triggered intense debate online after filmmaker Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh failed to win a single award for Dhurandhar despite the film’s massive success.

Aryan Khan Wins Big, ‘Dhurandhar’ Left Empty-Handed

The night belonged to Aryan Khan, who won Best Screenplay and Best Dialogue for the web series Ba***ds of Bollywood. While Aryan’s double victory grabbed headlines, it was Dhurandhar’s complete shutout that sparked outrage among fans.

Must Read: Ranveer Singh faces FWICE ‘Non-Cooperation’ directive over Don 3 feud with Farhan Akhtar! Dhurandhar star chooses ‘grace over noise’

For many viewers, the result was difficult to accept. 

Dhurandhar emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, breaking box-office records and dominating public conversations with its politically charged narrative.

The film also further cemented Aditya Dhar’s reputation after the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike. Despite its impact, the film failed to secure even one writing honour at the SWA Awards.

Fans Question Bollywood’s “Power Circles”

Soon after the winners were announced, social media platforms were flooded with reactions questioning the credibility of award shows and Bollywood’s internal dynamics. Several fans claimed Dhurandhar may have been sidelined because of its themes surrounding Pakistan and cross-border tensions.

At the Screenwriters Association (SWA) Awards 2026, Aryan Khan received the Best Screenplay & Best Dialogue awards for the TV series Ba***ds of Bollywood.

Meanwhile, at the same prestigious SWA Awards 2026, Aditya Dhar was nominated in the Best Screenplay and Best Dialogue… pic.twitter.com/DFxSPrJYWu

— Saffron Chargers (@SaffronChargers) May 25, 2026

One viral comment read, “Yet Dhurandhar did not receive any award — this is the real face of Bollywood.” (sic)

Another user wrote, “Some big names from Bollywood are still upset with the content and success of Dhurandhar.” (sic)

Some big names from Bollywood are still upset with the content and success of Dhurandhar….. pic.twitter.com/9HdxANxCUW

— Mr Sinha (@Mrsinha) May 25, 2026

A particularly popular reaction pointed towards industry hierarchy and favoritism, “Many can’t digest that a new director can do such a wonder. They think only superstars like SRK, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan can deliver this kind of business.” (sic)

Many can’t digest that a new director can do such a wonder . They think that a superstar like SRK , Salman Khan or Aamir Khan can only do such kind of business .

— Akshay Pradhan (@AkshayModern) May 25, 2026

The discussion quickly evolved into a broader debate about whether award ceremonies genuinely recognise merit or simply reflect Bollywood camps and industry politics.

Ranveer Singh Also Finds Himself at the Centre of the Storm

The controversy intensified because it comes at a time when Ranveer Singh is already facing industry speculation over the ongoing Don 3 fallout involving Farhan Akhtar.

Amid reports of a “non-cooperation” directive by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), some fans alleged that the backlash against Ranveer may now be extending beyond one project.

One social media user summed up the mood online, “Dhurandhar chala toh Bollywood naraz, Don 3 gaya toh Ranveer ban. Matlab hit hona bhi gunaah hai, flop hona bhi gunaah hai.” (sic)

Dhurandhar chala toh Bollywood naraz, Don 3 gaya toh Ranveer ban. Matlab hit hona bhi gunaah hai, flop hona bhi gunaah hai. Industry ka mood samajh nahi aata bhai 😂#BollywoodKalesh #Dhurandhar #Don3Drama

— Saad Hussain (@iamsaadhussein) May 25, 2026

Another fan claimed, “After the huge success of #Dhurandhar they just needed some reason to target Ranveer.” (sic)

Hashtags like #ISupportRanveerSingh and #BollywoodMafia soon began trending among fan communities, with several users accusing the industry of targeting the actor despite delivering one of the year’s biggest hits.

Looks like the #BollywoodMafia has a new target. I can’t help but feel this is connected to the huge success of the #Dhurandhar franchise. Whatever their game is, #ISupportRanveerSingh.
Time to #BanBollywood and remind them who the real mafia is… we, the viewers. https://t.co/Q8Om3fo2bM

— Riju R. (@RC_Riju) May 25, 2026

‘Dhurandhar’ Had Already Swept Another Major Awards Show

Interestingly, Dhurandhar had already dominated the 2026 Chetak Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai, winning 14 trophies, including Best Director for Aditya Dhar and Best Actor for Ranveer Singh. The sharp contrast between the film’s success at the Chetak Screen Awards and its complete shutout at the SWA Awards has now become a major talking point among fans online.

Notably, none of the Dhurandhar cast or crew attended the ceremony to receive the awards. While no official reason was given, the absence sparked further speculation on social media, especially amid ongoing debates around the film’s reception within sections of the industry.

Awards Lost, Public Support Gained

Whether the allegations of bias hold any truth remains impossible to verify. Award juries often make decisions based on subjective creative standards rather than commercial success alone. However, in the era of social media, audience perception matters immensely — and right now, a large section of fans believes Dhurandhar and Ranveer Singh deserved far greater recognition.

Also Read: Dhurandhar 2 disclosure – A threat to national security?

Ironically, the controversy may have only strengthened the film’s legacy. Even without winning at the SWA Awards, Dhurandhar continues to dominate conversations, turning into more than just a blockbuster — a symbol in the ongoing debate over Bollywood favouritism, power structures, and audience disconnect.