Anil Kapoor’s action drama Subedaar has won the Best Feature Film for India award at the 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards, adding another international recognition to the film and its creative team.
Kapoor has also received a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as retired soldier Subedaar Arjun Maurya. Director Suresh Triveni has been nominated in the Best Direction (Feature Film) category for the film.
The recognition was announced as part of the Asian Academy Creative Awards’ national winners, which span 18 countries and territories and 39 categories. The national winners will now move forward to the international round, where the final winners will be selected.
Anil Kapoor Nominated for Best Actor
Kapoor plays Arjun Maurya, a retired soldier attempting to adjust to civilian life after returning home. His character becomes involved in a confrontation with corruption while also dealing with challenges within his family.
Reacting to the recognition, Kapoor described his Best Actor nomination as a special moment in his career. He also expressed gratitude to the film’s team and those who supported the project.
The actor additionally congratulated Suresh Triveni on his Best Direction nomination, reflecting on the experience of making the film together.
Suresh Triveni Receives Direction Nomination
The recognition extends beyond Kapoor’s performance. Suresh Triveni has been nominated for Best Direction (Feature Film) for Subedaar.
Triveni directed the film as a character-driven action drama centred on Arjun Maurya and his return to civilian life. The story combines his military background with a family conflict and a confrontation with local corruption.
The film also stars Radhikka Madan, Khushbu Sundar, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, Mona Singh and Faisal Malik.
What Is ‘Subedaar’ About?
Subedaar follows Arjun Maurya, a retired soldier who struggles to settle into life after leaving the armed forces.
Set in Madhya Pradesh, the story follows his efforts to protect his family while confronting corruption in his community. His relationship with his daughter Shyama, played by Radhikka Madan, is another important part of the narrative.
As tensions increase, Arjun draws upon the experience and discipline developed during his military service to deal with the threats surrounding his family.
The film was released on Amazon Prime Video on March 5, 2026.
‘Subedaar’ Among 335 National Winners
The Asian Academy Creative Awards announced 335 national winners across 18 countries and territories and 39 categories.
For India, Subedaar received the Best Feature Film honour. The film now moves into the international stage of the awards process alongside other national winners from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Chinese film The Shadow’s Edge, starring Jackie Chan, won Best Feature Film for Chinese Mainland. Other notable national winners included The Family Man Season 3 from India, which secured four awards.
The awards cover film, television and digital content, with categories including acting, direction, screenplay, cinematography, animation, drama and other creative disciplines.
Grand Winners to Be Announced in December
The Asian Academy Creative Awards follows a two-stage judging process. National winners are selected first, after which they proceed to the international round.
According to the awards organisation, entries are assessed by industry professionals, with the international stage determining the final winners. The 2026 grand winners are scheduled to be announced at the awards gala at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre in December.
For Subedaar, the national recognition gives the film another opportunity to represent Indian cinema on a wider Asia-Pacific platform. Kapoor’s Best Actor nomination and Triveni’s Best Direction nomination also place the film’s lead performance and direction among the works being considered in the international round.
The final results will determine whether Subedaar and its nominees add further honours to their 2026 awards run.
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