Govt's Cinematograph Rules 2024 Streamline & Modernise Film Certification Process

Under the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, the ministry of information and broadcasting has notified that the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 is in supersession of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. 

They have been comprehensively overhauled to improve and contemporise the entire process of certification of films for public exhibition.

These new rules aim to streamline and modernise the film certification process for the digital age, keeping pace with emerging technologies and advancements in the film sector. 

According to a press statement by the government, the ministry and CBFC have undertaken extensive consultations with filmmakers, cinema owners, disability rights organisations, NGOs, film industry bodies, the general public and other stakeholders, ensuring an all-embracing, all-encompassing and all-inclusive approach.

The key aspects of improvements incorporated in the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 include:

Comprehensive revision of the rules has been done to fully align it with the adoption of online certification processes, which will ensure enhanced transparency, efficiency & ease of doing business for the film industry.

1. Reduction in timelines for the processing of film certification and adopting complete digital processes for eliminating all transactional time.

2. Movies/feature films to have accessibility features for certification to make it inclusive for disabled persons, as stipulated in the guidelines issued in this regard from time to time.

3. Age-Based Certification: Introduction of age-based categories of certification by further sub-dividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories, viz. seven years (UA 7+), thirteen years (UA 13+), and sixteen years (UA 16+), instead of twelve years.
   
   These age-based markers would be only recommendatory, meant for the parents or guardians to consider whether their children should view such a film.
   
   The age-based certification system with UA markers is to be implemented to ensure young viewers are exposed to age-appropriate content. It will play a crucial role in balancing the need to protect vulnerable audiences, such as children, with the principles of freedom of expression and consumer choice.

4. Greater representation of women in the CBFC Board and CBFC’s advisory panels, where it is stipulated that one-third of the members in the Board shall be women and preferably half shall be women.

5. System for priority screening of films for enhancing transparency and eliminating all discretions. Provision for priority screening for expediting the screening of film screening for certification, in case of any urgency felt by film-maker(s) due to their prior commitments of release of the film in line with the ease of doing business.  

6. Perpetual validity of certificates: Removal of the restriction on the validity of certificate for only 10 years for perpetual validity of certificates of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

7. Change of category of film for television: Recertification of the edited film for television broadcast, as only unrestricted public exhibition category films can be shown on television.

The principle rules were first notified by the government in 1983 and have been amended from time to time. However, acknowledging the significant advancement in film technology, audience demographics, and content distribution methods for the last 40 years, a new set of rules with overhaul changes are being introduced to better cater to the ever-evolving needs of the film industry.

The government had last year amended the Cinematograph Act, 1952 after a period of almost 40 years to comprehensively address the issues relating to film certification. Notifying the new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 compliments that journey of making the certification process simpler, more contemporary and in line with best global practices.

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