NI Bureau
In response to concerns from filmmakers and audiences, the government has implemented changes within the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), in accordance with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has unveiled the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the previous 1983 rules, with the aim of refining the film certification process in India.
CBFC has revised its categorization of films into age groups to ensure suitability for various audiences:
A: Restricted to adults only.
UA: Requires parental guidance for viewers under 12, further subdivided into UA 7, UA 13, and UA 16 based on age appropriateness.
U: Suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, open to all age groups.
These certifications serve to assist viewers, particularly parents, in making informed decisions regarding film content.
The new regulations streamline the film certification process through digitalization, reducing transaction times. A provision for ‘priority screening’ expedites certification in cases of urgent release commitments, enhancing transparency and fairness.
Moreover, CBFC’s updated rules prioritize gender diversity by mandating one-third of its board members to be women, with a preference for equal representation. This initiative addresses the gender gap in decision-making roles within the certification process.
CBFC’s commitment to inclusivity extends to including disabled individuals in its Advisory Panels, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. These measures promote a more representative and equitable film industry.
Furthermore, CBFC certificates now have perpetual validity, eliminating the previous 10-year restriction. However, edited films require recertification for television broadcast, limited to those in the Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U) category.
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