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In the Indian cinema world, before any film is released on the big screen, it is mandatory to go through the stringent rules, scrutiny and regulation of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Without this, no film is legally allowed to be screened in theatres. Censor Board (CBFC) official member Raj Mishra made it clear in a recent interview that releasing a film in the public domain without proper certification falls in the category of a very serious and punishable offense. He stressed that the board is very strict regarding the screening of films and its rules and strict legal action can be taken against violators.
Prasoon Joshi is taking command, MIB decides the structure of the censor board.
Raj Mishra spoke in detail on the internal functioning of the Censor Board and its organizational structure. He stated that:
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Appointment of Chairman: The Chairman of the Board is appointed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to oversee the entire functioning of the Censor Board. At present, the responsibility of this dignified post is being handled by famous lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi.
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Committee Size: The main responsibility of the board is to ensure that the films shown in the society are in accordance with the sovereignty of the country and the set guidelines. Apart from the Chairman, this board includes 25 other non-official members, who evaluate the films impartially.
What is the real meaning of ‘A’ and ‘UA’ certificates?
There is often confusion among audiences and makers regarding the categories films receive, which Raj Mishra clarified:
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‘A’ (Adult) Certification: This category is only for adults 18 years of age or older. Films which show extremely bold, intimate scenes or excessive bloodshed and gruesome violence (Crime & Violence) are put in this category keeping in mind the mental safety of the audience.
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‘UA’ (Unrestricted Public Exhibition Under Parental Guidance) Certification: This simply means that there is very little or mild violence/dialogue in the film, which children can easily watch under the supervision and guidance of their parents or an elder member of the family. This is a kind of ‘safety clause’ to protect the mental development of children.
What should the makers do if the film is rejected? The path of 11 member committee and tribunal
An important question raised during the interview was that if the preliminary examining committee of five members initially refuses to pass a film, then what legal options are left to the filmmakers?
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Re-examination Process: Makers have full legal right to send their film for re-examination. Under this process, the film is re-screened in front of a large ‘re-examining committee’ of 11 members.
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Tribunal’s last resort: If this larger committee is also not satisfied with the improvements in the film and refuses to pass it, then the producers have the last option to approach the Appellate Tribunal located in the country’s capital Delhi. However, Raj Mishra clarified that in practice such cases are very rare where a film is completely rejected at every level.
Respect for creative freedom, but no-tolerance on anti-national content
Raj Mishra clarified that according to the modern era and contemporary circumstances, the rules of the Censor Board have also become flexible. In today’s time, mild violence or realism is accepted as per the demand of the story. But if there are very disgusting, social hatred or scary scenes in the film, then the Board has to intervene in public interest.
Finally, speaking on creative freedom, he said that filmmakers get complete freedom, but there are constitutional limits to it too. No film should promote anti-national ideas, endanger national security or degrade the policies of the country. He completely rejected the news of any kind of political pressure on the board and said that CBFC does its work with complete transparency and impartiality.