Posted On:
06 NOV 2026 4:35PM by PIB Guwahati
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued an official advisory (No. M/23/2026) to all film producers, applicants, and industry associations emphasizing strict compliance with statutory procedures under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, as follows:
1. Complete final version mandatory: Films submitted for examination and certification must be in their total, final and complete form in all respects, including final graphics (titles, credits, sub- titles, disclaimers, censor certificate slate, etc.), final background score/music, sound mix, and any accessibility features intended for the final theatrical/exhibition version (such as closed captions, subtitles for the hearing-impaired, and audio description, where applicable). Only the version of the film that has been duly certified by the CBFC may be exhibited in theatres.
2. Title not to be treated as final: The title of the film (including trailer, teaser or promos) as indicated by the producer/applicant in the application shall not be construed as final or as having been approved merely on account of submission/registration thereof. The title remains liable to scrutiny, review and modification by the Examining/Revising Committee, in terms of the Guidelines issued under Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (as amended from time to time) and Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Producers/applicants are advised not to publicise or commit to a title as final prior to certification.
3. No incomplete/work-in-progress prints: Applications accompanied by incomplete prints, temporary/placeholder graphics, scratch or temp scores, or missing accessibility elements are liable to be treated as non-compliant and may result in delay, return of application, or rejection of application. An application shall be deemed complete only after all the requisite documents have been duly submitted and all prescribed formalities have been complied with. The date on which the application is approved as complete shall be regarded as the date of receipt of the application, and the application shall be queued for examination on that basis.
4. Release date not a ground for expedited processing: The proposed or announced release date of a film or trailer/teaser launch shall NOT be taken into consideration while processing certification applications. Certification shall follow the due process, procedure and timelines prescribed under the extant Act and Rules, irrespective of any release date fixed or publicised by the producer/applicant. Examination, review, and certification (including any revisions, cuts, or modifications directed by the Examining/Revising Committee) is a due process that requires adequate time. Applicants should not expect, and the Board shall not be liable for, any compression of statutory or procedural timelines on account of self-imposed release schedules.
5. Advance planning required: All producers/applicants are advised to submit applications sufficiently in advance of any intended release date, factoring in the time required for examination, committee review, and compliance with any directions issued by the Board. All applicants are advised to extend their cooperation and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and other applicable guidelines in force. Such compliance will enable the Board to ensure the smooth discharge of its statutory functions and facilitate the certification process in an efficient and timely manner.
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SM