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Synopsis

In a landmark move to overhaul the Indian film certification landscape, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024. This comprehensive reform not only aims to modernise the film certification process but also introduces critical changes to adapt to the digital age and evolving audience needs. Among the notable updates, the “Change of Category of Film for Television: Recertification of the edited film for Television broadcast,” stands out as a significant shift towards enhancing the quality of content accessible to the television audience in India.

Under the new regulations, films intended for television airing must undergo recertification if they have been edited from their original versions as “only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television.” The primary aim is to ensure that the content suitable for general public viewing adheres to standardised guidelines, reflecting sensitivity towards diverse audience demographics, especially younger viewers.

Another noteworthy advancement introduced is the emphasis on Inclusivity for Disabled Persons: The updated regulations require that movies and feature films integrate accessibility features to obtain certification. This initiative ensures the inclusion of subtitles, sign language interpretations, and additional accessibility aids, broadening the accessibility of films to a more diverse audience, including individuals with disabilities.

The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024 were drafted, replacing the outdated rules of 1983. The new rules are designed to ensure the film certification process is more transparent, efficient, and inclusive, reflecting the advancements in film technology and changing audience demographics over the last four decades.The ministry stated that the “overhaul changes are being introduced to better cater to the ever evolving need of our film industry.”

Other key changes made by the new guidelines include:

• Online Certification Processes: A major leap forward is the comprehensive adoption of online certification processes. This shift aims to enhance transparency and efficiency, significantly reducing the red tape associated with the film certification process. By moving away from manual, paper-based applications to a fully digital framework, the film industry is expected to benefit from a more streamlined and quicker process, facilitating ease of doing business.

 

• Reduction in Certification Time-Lines: The new rules promise a significant reduction in the time required for processing film certifications. By eliminating unnecessary procedural delays and adopting complete digital processes, the restructured framework is set to minimise all transactional time, enabling filmmakers to get their content to the market faster.

 

• Age-Based Certification: The 2024 rules introduce more nuanced, age-based categories of certification. By subdividing the existing "UA" (Unrestricted Public Exhibition-But With Parental Guidance) category into three distinct groups – UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+ – the rules aim to offer clearer guidance to parents and guardians. These categories, meant to be recommendatory, are designed to ensure that young viewers are exposed only to age-appropriate content, thus safeguarding them from potentially harmful materials while respecting freedom of expression and consumer choice.

 

• Greater Representation of Women: The new regulations ensure a greater representation of women on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board and Advisory Panels. With at least one-third of the board's members required to be women, and a preference for half, the move aims to bring diverse perspectives into the film certification process, promoting gender equality and sensitivity.

 

• Priority Screening of Films: To further enhance transparency and efficiency, the rules introduce a system for the priority screening of films. This provision is particularly beneficial for filmmakers facing urgent release deadlines, allowing them to expedite the certification process in line with business needs and ensuring timely releases without compromising due process.

 

• Perpetual Validity of Certificates: In a significant change from the past, the new rules abolish the 10-year validity period for certification, granting certificates perpetual validity instead. This move reduces the bureaucratic burden on filmmakers, who previously had to seek re-certification for older films, and ensures that once a film is certified, it remains so indefinitely.

Last year, the government revised the Cinematograph Act, 1952, marking a significant update after nearly four decades, aiming to thoroughly address concerns surrounding film certification. The announcement of the new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, builds on this effort, simplifying and modernising the certification process to align with international standards and best practices.

“These updated regulations will foster a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive film certification process, supporting the continued growth and success of Indian cinema,” the Ministry said.

[Source: PIB]