Author: Devesh Kapoor
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, through a notification dated March 15, 2024 published in the Gazette of India. These Rules replace the Cinematographic (Certification) Rules, 1983, bringing updates to the film certification regime. Key changes include the introduction of the online ‘e-cinepramaan’ portal, a revised classification and age-based certification system for films, and new fee structure for film examination by the Central Board of Film Certification (“Board”).
The Rules redefine and introduce new terms, such as a “Long Film”, now defined as a film running for 72 minutes or more [Rule 2(xi)], and “foreign films” [Rule 2(xii)], among others. The film submission process requires that submitted films be accompanied with the same language subtitles, same language audio descriptions, or same language closed captions [Rule 22(4)], with abolition of older requirements such as submitting multiple copies of synopsis, credit list, song text etc. of the submitted film.The Rules empower the Regional Officer to involve subject or language experts during the film examination process [Rule 23]. The UA (Universal Adult) certification is now divided into three sub-categories: UA 7+ (suitable for children aged 7 and above), UA 13+ (suitable for children aged 13 and above), and UA 16+ (suitable for children aged 16 and above) [Rule 23(11)(b)].
Post-certification alterations, such as the addition of subtitles, audio descriptions, or closed captions in languages other than the original film language, must be reported to the Board and must comply with the film’s certification category [Rule 31(1)].
A new priority scheme has been introduced, allowing applicants to expedite the examination process by paying three times the standard fee. This ensures the examination is scheduled within five days, subject to slot availability [Rule 33]. The Regional Officer can adjust the examination order of submitted films for applications under this scheme [Rule 37(3)]. The Rules have eliminated additional documentation requirements for foreign films, except for those specified under Rule 22(4) [Rule 21(6)].
The certification validity for films has been extended from 10 years to perpetual [Rule 29], eliminating the need for re-application. The e-cinepramaan portal has been established to facilitate the online certification process [Rule 22].
The gazetted notification is available here.
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