Why in news?
- India’s film industry, a vibrant giant churning out thousands of movies annually, recently received an update with the introduction of the film (Certification) Rules, 2024.
- Replacing the outdated 1983 rules, these regulations aim to streamline the certification process, promote inclusivity, and reflect the evolving film landscape.
Keeping Pace with the Times
- The 2024 rules acknowledge the significant advancements in filmmaking technology and audience preferences over the past four decades.
- This overhaul complements the 2023 amendments to the Cinematograph Act, paving the way for a more contemporary and globally competitive film certification system.
Key Aspects of the new film certification Rules
- Digital Revolution: A significant shift towards online certification processes enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of business for filmmakers. Streamlined digital workflows eliminate delays and expedite certification timelines.
- Focus on Accessibility: Inclusion takes center stage with a requirement for movies to incorporate accessibility features for persons with disabilities, adhering to stipulated guidelines.
- Age-Appropriate Viewing: The existing UA (Universal Adult) category gets a revision. Subdivided into UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+, these age-based classifications serve as recommendations for guardians, empowering them to make informed choices about their children’s film consumption.
- Empowering Women: Gender equality finds its place in the new rules, mandating increased representation of women in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) board and advisory panels.
- Faster Releases: Filmmakers facing urgent deadlines can avail of a priority screening system, ensuring a quicker certification turnaround.
- Perpetual Validity: The 10-year validity period for CBFC certificates is abolished. Certificates issued now hold perpetual validity, eliminating the need for recertification unless content is edited for television broadcast.
- Recertification for Television: Edited versions of films intended for television airplay require recertification. This ensures only films categorized for unrestricted public exhibition reach television audiences.
The CBFC: Ensuring Compliance
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Functioning since 1952, it regulates the public exhibition of films in India.
- Films must obtain CBFC certification to comply with legal requirements and standards. The CBFC comprises non-official members, a chairman (all appointed by the central government), and regional offices with advisory panels for film examination.
A Thriving Film Industry
- India boasts the world’s largest film industry in terms of film production, churning out over 3,000 movies annually across more than 40 languages.
- The industry, known for its rich tapestry of regional cinema, contributes significantly to the economy.
- While the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of OTT platforms pose challenges, the Indian film industry remains resilient, constantly evolving and adapting to a changing entertainment landscape.
- The new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, mark a significant step towards a more efficient, inclusive, and globally relevant film certification system in India.
- This reform promises to empower filmmakers, enhance accessibility, and ensure a bright future for Indian cinema.
People also ask
Q1. Why are there new film certification rules in India?
Ans: The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, were introduced to modernize the film certification process. They replace outdated 1983 rules and aim to keep pace with advancements in filmmaking and audience preferences.
Q2: What are the key changes in the new rules?
Ans: The new film certification rules in India bring:
1. Faster online process
2. Accessibility features for films
3. More age categories (UA 7+, 13+, 16+ )
4. More women in the CBFC
5. Faster certification for urgent releases
6. Certificates that never expire (except for TV edits)
Q3: What is the CBFC and what does it do?
Ans: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a government body that regulates the public exhibition of films in India. It ensures films comply with legal requirements and standards before they can be shown to the public.
Q4: How does the age-based certification work?
Ans: The new UA subcategories (UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+) are recommendations for guardians, not strict age restrictions. Parents can use these ratings to make informed decisions about the suitability of films for their children.
