CBFC’s new film certification rules: Anti-drug warnings, violence guidelines and U/A categories explained

CBFC poster (Picture via X)

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has introduced revised film certification guidelines for the first time in nearly 35 years, bringing a new set of provisions for films depicting drugs while retaining several existing rules on violence, sexual content, communal issues and national security. The guidelines were notified by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 16 under the Cinematograph Act.

New rules introduced after 35 years

One of the key changes is the introduction of a mandatory anti-drug warning for films that depict the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. Such scenes will have to carry the prescribed message: "Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs." Earlier guidelines already stated that drug addiction should not be encouraged, justified or glorified, but did not mandate a specific on-screen warning.

The revised framework also incorporates the newer age-based certification markers U/A 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+. These categories were introduced following amendments to the Cinematograph Act and are intended to provide parents and guardians with clearer guidance about the suitability of films for younger viewers.

Several existing provisions have been retained. The guidelines state that violence and anti-social activities should not be glorified or justified, while detailed depictions of criminal methods that could encourage offences are also to be avoided. The framework covers scenes involving sexual violence, child abuse, cruelty to animals and content that could be considered vulgar, obscene or degrading towards women.

The rules further address content relating to communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific and anti-national attitudes. They state that films should not endanger public order, question the sovereignty and integrity of India or strain the country's friendly relations with foreign states.

About the new board

The changes come shortly after the government reconstituted the CBFC with an 18-member board for a three-year term or until further orders. The new panel includes actors such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi and Roopali Ganguly, along with filmmakers Priyadarshan and Neela Madhab Panda, among others.

The CBFC is currently headed by chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati, who has urged filmmakers and industry bodies to study and circulate the revised certification framework before submitting films for examination.