The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reorganized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approximately a decade ago. This council included prominent figures from the film and entertainment industry, such as Pankaj Tripathi, Preeti Jinta, and Rupali Ganguly. Consequently, the ministry's new guidelines have once again become a subject of discussion.
These guidelines define the objectives that the CBFC must consider before issuing a certificate for the screening of films in theaters. In addition to other provisions, they stipulate that films must be responsible and sensitive to public values and standards, and the certification process itself must be responsive to social changes. It is also emphasized that violence should not be glorified, and scenes or words inciting criminal acts or depicting criminals' methods should not be shown.
Furthermore, the guidelines state that scenes or words promoting communal, superstitious, anti-scientific, or anti-nationalistic views must not be displayed. Moreover, films must not negatively affect India's friendly relations with foreign countries. This provision could be highly significant for films based on tensions between India and China, especially during a period when both nations are striving to improve their bilateral relations.
In this context, Salman Khan's upcoming war drama film 'Matrubhumi: Me War Rest in Peace' (formerly known as 'Galwan Attack') is being discussed. This film is based on the military tension between India and China during the Galwan clashes in 2020. According to a recent report, the CBFC certification for this film is delayed, and one of the reasons cited for the delay is the film's connection to China.
Previously, while discussing the uncertainty surrounding Salman Khan's film, a source connected to the matter told the publication 'Screen': 'Since many people were upset by the mention of the Galwan battle, the goal now is to avoid any other controversy. Therefore, there is no direct mention of China. It is similar to how Pakistan was once referred to as a 'neighboring country' when relations between the two neighboring countries were improving. Unlike the film 'Dhurandar,' where Pakistan was dominant, Salman's film cannot take such a risk because the situation with China is not the same for India as it is with Pakistan.'
The revised certification structure also includes specific rules regarding the depiction of narcotics and psychotropic substances. A legal warning or disclaimer must be shown alongside scenes of the use, consumption, or smuggling of these substances. The guidelines also caution against content that may offend the 'feelings or emotions of people,' and warn against the exploitation of children, crimes against women, and the display of unnecessary or preventable violence.
Films that meet the established criteria can be certified in categories UA, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+, or A, depending on their nature, content, and theme. The guidelines state that films deemed unsuitable for minors, despite meeting other criteria, must only be certified for adult audiences.
For films intended for unrestricted public viewing, the council must ensure that the content is suitable for the whole family, meaning all family members, including children, can watch the film together. If the council believes that the nature, content, or theme of the film requires parental guidance, it may be placed in the UA 7+, UA 13+, or UA 16+ categories.
In conclusion, in recent years, many films have sparked discussions with the CBFC, including instances where producers had to change titles or other elements before certification. In this regard, the guidelines concerning film titles are gaining significant importance. These principles require the council to thoroughly examine film titles and ensure that they are not provocative, obscene, or offensive, and do not violate the certification guidelines.