26-March-2024-Editorial

CINEMATOGRAPH (CERTIFICATION) RULES, 2024

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, as part of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, replacing the outdated regulations from 1983.

These rules aim to modernize and streamline the film certification process in India, aligning it with contemporary technological advancements and audience expectations.

Key Aspects of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024:

Alignment with Online Certification Processes:

• The rules have been revamped to synchronize with online certification procedures, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and convenience for the film industry stakeholders.

Reduction in Certification Timelines:

• Digitalization of processes has led to the reduction of certification time-lines, eliminating transactional delays and enhancing the overall certification process.

Accessibility Features for Films:

• Films are mandated to incorporate accessibility features to ensure inclusivity for disabled individuals, adhering to specified guidelines.

Introduction of Age-Based Certification:

• The UA (Universal Adult) category has been subdivided into UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+, serving as recommendations for parents to gauge the suitability of films for children based on age-appropriate content.

Enhanced Gender Representation:

• The rules advocate for increased representation of women in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board and Advisory Panels, ensuring gender diversity and inclusivity.

System for Priority Screening of Films:

• Provision for priority screening of films has been instituted to expedite the certification process, particularly for filmmakers with urgent release commitments.

Perpetual Validity of Certificates:

• Certificates issued by the CBFC now hold perpetual validity, removing the previous restriction of validity for only 10 years.

Recertification for Television Broadcast:

• Edited films intended for television broadcast must undergo recertification, permitting only films with Unrestricted Public Exhibition category certification for television viewing.

Significance of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024:

• The overhaul of the certification rules acknowledges the evolution of film technology and audience demographics, providing a contemporary and globally competitive framework for the Indian film industry.
• These rules complement the amendments to the Cinematograph Act in 2023, simplifying the certification process and ensuring its relevance in the digital age.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):

• The CBFC, operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, regulates the public exhibition of films in India in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
• It comprises non-official members and a Chairman appointed by the Central Government, with Regional offices and Advisory Panels assisting in the examination of films.

Film Industry in India:

• India boasts the world’s largest film industry in terms of film production, producing over 3,000 films annually in more than 40 languages.
• Major film industries include Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape.
• The Indian film industry, with a market size of over 172 billion Indian rupees in 2022, continues to evolve amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of OTT platforms.
• The proliferation of OTT platforms has reshaped the entertainment landscape in India, catering to over 400 million users and contributing to the growth of the digital entertainment sector.
• The television and film industry in India is a significant source of employment, generating approximately 4.12 million jobs in the financial year 2022.