Is There a Certificate Issued in India by Central Board of Film Certification for Films That Are Banned/Not Suited for Public Screening?

Yes, in India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) issues certificates for films that are not suitable for public viewing. If a film does not meet the guidelines laid down by the CBFC, it may be denied certification altogether, thereby preventing its public exhibition. The CBFC is a statutory censorship and classification body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and its primary role is to ensure that films shown in India are appropriate for audiences.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): A Statutory Censorship and Classification Body

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body responsible for certifying films and video productions in India. Films must obtain a certification from the CBFC to be publicly exhibited or screened. This serves not only to ensure that the content is appropriate but also to classify films according to their content for different audiences. The CBFC categorizes films into several classes, each with specific guidelines on who may watch them.

Types of Certifications

Films in India are typically classified under the following categories:

U – Universal: Unrestricted public exhibition. These films are suitable for all audiences without any age restrictions. U/A – Universal/Audience: Unrestricted public exhibition, but subject to parental guidance for children below the age of twelve. A – Adult: Restricted to adult audiences. These films are not suitable for children and may contain material that is only appropriate for adult audiences. S – Special: Restricted to specialized audiences such as doctors, engineers, or scientists. These films may contain technical, professional, or medical information. V/U, V/UA, V/A – Video Releases: These classifications have the same meanings as the U, U/A, and A categories, but they are used for video releases.

Refusal to Certify and Banned Films

While the CBFC certifies most films, there are instances where a film may be refused certification. Films that contain content deemed offensive, harmful, or unsuitable may not receive a certification at all, effectively barring them from public exhibition. A film may also be baned, meaning it is prohibited from being screened in India.

Banning a film is a serious matter and often results from a variety of reasons, including glorification of violence, drug addiction, alcoholism, criminal activities, vulgarity, or bad language. For example, the film Padmavat was banned in Gujarat and some other states due to political reasons. Similarly, the film Aandhi faced a ban during the Emergency period of 1975-1977, when it was censored by Indira Gandhi and only released after the Janata Party came to power in 1977.

Some films may face a virtual ban when theater owners are compelled to stop screening the film due to pressure from non-governmental organizations. For instance, Mohalla Assi was denied a rating by the CBFC, and the producers appealed to the Delhi High Court, which eventually allowed the film's release with one cut and adult certification.

Legal Appeals and Judicial Oversight

Producers and filmmakers have the right to appeal against the decisions of the CBFC. If a film is denied a certification, the producer may approach the court. If the court deems that the ban or non-certification decision is unjust, it can revoke the decision. For example, in the case of Mohalla Assi, the Delhi High Court allowed the film's release after setting aside the order of CBFC.

Worldwide Censorship and Controversies

Film censorship and certification standards vary widely across different countries. For instance, nearly every film has faced censorship or restrictions in one form or another. Censorship reasons include political, moral, or content-based controversies. Nations and local government bodies often have different standards and may change them over time based on political and moral shifts.

Here are a few examples of films that faced bans but were later released in other countries:

Padmavat Aandhi Mohalla Assi

These examples illustrate the complex and sometimes contentious process of film censorship and certification, not only in India but around the world.

Conclusion

The CBFC plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of films for public viewing in India. Through its certification and classification process, it ensures that films meet certain criteria, thereby upholding certain values and standards. However, the process is not without controversy, as seen in the examples of films that faced bans or virtual bans.

It is important to note that the manner in which films are censored and the standards used can differ significantly between countries. Understanding the role of the CBFC and the certificates it issues helps to appreciate the complexities and nuances of film censorship in India.