Understanding the Working Mechanism of India's Censor Board

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India, which plays a crucial role in certifying films for public screenings. In this article, we will delve into the detailed workings of the CBFC and examine how it ensures the regulation and censorship of films.

The Role and Activities of the CBFC

The Cinematograph Act 1952 established the CBFC as an authority to examine and certify films for public screenings. This act was aimed at ensuring the proper certification of films to safeguard public interest and prevent the screening of inappropriate content.

The CBFC is composed of three panels: the examining committee, the revising committee, and the final approval committee. Each committee has a specific role in the certification process. The examining committee has five CBFC members who review the movie in detail, but the committee does not have a chairman. This panel is responsible for the initial certification of most films, typically within a week or two after receiving the film for certification.

The Examining Committee

The examining committee is the first line of scrutiny in the certification process. These members of the CBFC view the entire film frame by frame, identifying aspects that require further review. They consider a variety of parameters set forth by the Cinematograph Act, such as the presence of violence, explicit content, and references to sensitive themes.

Parameters and Guidelines

The CBFC uses a set of predefined parameters to decide on the certification of a film. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the amount of violence, the level of exposure, and any scenes that might create communal disharmony. For instance, if a film contains overly violent scenes or those that may incite communal conflict, it may be required to make cuts or be certified with a certain rating.

Rating System

Based on the certification criteria, films are classified into different categories. The categories include:

Universal (U): Appropriate for all audiences Parental Guidance Required (UA): Suitable for all, but parents may want to give the film some consideration due to potentially controversial content Adults Only (A): Only for adults over the age of 18

For films that contain excessive violent content, the CBFC might approve the film with an Adult Only (A) rating, requiring that viewers be of a certain age to watch the film.

The Revising Committee

The second panel, the revising committee, is tasked with reviewing the decisions made by the examining committee. In cases where a film is initially refused certification, the revising committee is called in to reevaluate the decision and determine whether any further action is necessary.

Government and Non-Government Representation

The members of the CBFC vary and include both government-appointed officials and notable citizens from diverse backgrounds, such as actors and social workers. The board aims to bring in a broad perspective to the certification process, ensuring that cultural and social values are taken into account.

Geographical Considerations

It is important to note that each region in India, including the South, North, West, and East, has its own censor board. This structure allows for regional considerations and local sensibilities in the certification process.

Appeals and Legal Recourse

In the event that a producer is dissatisfied with the certification or refusal of certification, they have the right to appeal to the Central Censor Appellate Authority. If the appeal fails, they can take the matter to the courts for further resolution.

Comparison with the US Film Censorship System

In contrast to India, the United States has an independent organization called the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which handles film certification. The MPAA operates without government interference, and film producers self-certify their films based on established ratings criteria. This is notably different from India's government-backed system.

The working mechanism of the Indian Censor Board, as detailed above, highlights the extensive and meticulous process involved in certifying films for public release in the country. Understanding these parameters and procedures is crucial for filmmakers, producers, and the general public alike.