CBFC gets new 18-member board amid rising film certification controversies
The government has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an 18-member board for a three-year term, bringing a new team to the film certification body at a time when clashes over cuts, delays and certification have repeatedly put it in the spotlight.
The reconstitution had been pending for some time, with several members of the previous board no longer active, an Information and Broadcasting Ministry official told NDTV.
The CBFC is generally reconstituted every three years. The previous board was reconstituted in 2017 with 12 members.
'Punjab 95' to 'Satluj': Certification row
One of the most prominent recent cases highlighting the challenges around film certification is Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, earlier titled Punjab 95.
The film remained in the certification process for nearly three years after being submitted to the CBFC in 2022. Its makers had alleged that the board sought 127 cuts.
The film eventually appeared on ZEE5 in July under its new title, Satluj, without the reported cuts.
However, within 48 hours, it was removed from the platform in India.
The episode has highlighted how certification decisions can affect a film's release, from changes and cuts to prolonged delays.
Other films also face certification hurdles
Welcome To The Jungle also faced scrutiny and received a UA 16+ certificate after 18 modifications.
Meanwhile, certification-related disputes surrounding Jana Nayagan resulted in delays and legal proceedings, adding to recent concerns around the film-certification process.
Who is on the new CBFC board?
The new 18-member board includes several prominent names from the film and entertainment industry.
Actors Manoj Joshi, Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi and Prosenjit Chatterjee are among the members. Filmmaker Priyadarshan and musician Ricky Kej have also been appointed.
The other members are Vinod Anupam, Abhishek Jain, Hansraj Hans, Supriya Yarlagadda, Yatindra Mishra, Rupali Ganguly, Neela Madhab Panda, Pallavi Joshi, Nishigandha Wad, Waman Kendre and Ramesh Patange.
New board, same statutory role
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the reconstitution was carried out under Section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The new board takes effect immediately and will continue for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The reconstitution changes the people serving on the CBFC, but not the board's statutory role.
The CBFC will continue to function under the Cinematograph Act and the 2024 certification rules, with members appointed for terms of up to three years.
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