The Screenwriters Association (SWA) Awards 2025, honoring the best in screenwriting and lyrics from 2024 across film, television, and digital platforms, are set to take place on August 9. This year, Imtiaz Ali's "Amar Singh Chamkila" has emerged as a frontrunner, securing a significant number of nominations, while Kunal Kemmu's directorial debut "Madgaon Express" is also being recognized with multiple nominations.
"Amar Singh Chamkila" has garnered major nominations across several categories, including Best Story, Best Screenplay, Best Dialogues, and Best Lyrics. Lyricist Irshad Kamil is nominated for his work on five tracks from the film: "Baaja," "Bol Mohabbat," "Ishq Mitaye," "Naram Kaalja," and "Vida Karo". Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali are nominated for Best Story, Screenplay and Dialogues. The nominations highlight the film's compelling narrative and musical elements. Imtiaz Ali also won Best Director for "Amar Singh Chamkila" at the Showsha Reel Awards 2025.
Kunal Kemmu is elated as his directorial debut, "Madgaon Express," has earned him nominations in the Best Story, Best Screenplay, and Best Dialogue categories. Kemmu, who also wrote the film, expressed his excitement about being acknowledged by the writing community. "Madgaon Express" was lauded for its humor and witty writing. Kemmu faces competition in the Best Story and Screenplay category from Imtiaz Ali ("Amar Singh Chamkila"), Atul Sabharwal ("Berlin"), Avinash Sampath ("CTRL"), and Karan Gour ("Fairy Folk"). In the Best Dialogue category, Kemmu is nominated alongside Sumukhi Suresh ("CTRL"), Devang Tiwari and Amit Pradhan ("Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai"), Karan Gour ("Fairy Folk"), and Niren Bhatt ("Stree 2").
"Laapataa Ladies" has also received recognition, with writers Biplab Goswami and Sneha Desai nominated in the Best Debut category. Sneha Desai also won Best Screenplay (Jury) for 'Laapataa Ladies' at Showsha Reel Awards 2025. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars 2025. Goswami called the film a "labor of love" and thanked Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan for giving the story a wider reach. "Laapataa Ladies" also won several awards at the IIFA 2025, including Best Story (Original) for Biplab Goswami and Best Screenplay for Sneha Desai.
In the web series category, "Panchayat Season 3" and "Gullak 4" have secured top nominations. Other notable nominations include Shuchi Talati for Best Debut with "Girls Will Be Girls". Anvitaa Dutt for Big Girls Don't Cry title track and Shashwat Sachdev for the song Pehli Sharam are nominated in the Best Lyrics TV/Web category. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and A M Turaz have been nominated in the Best TV/Web Best Lyrics for the song, "Saiyaan Hatto Jaao" from "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," and Akhil for "Zaroori Toh Nahi" from "Citadel: Honey Bunny". Bodhayan Roychaudhury is also nominated in the Best Debut category for "Sector 36".
The SWA Awards, launched in 2020, are unique as they specifically honor screenwriters and lyricists in Hindi Films, TV Serials/Shows, and Web Series. The awards are decided by a jury of eminent screenwriters and lyricists, focusing on the quality of writing art rather than box office or TRP ratings. The aim is to recognize and celebrate the best screenwriting and introduce talented writers and lyricists to the entertainment industry.
