CBFC Certification Delays Leave Filmmakers Battling Deadlines, Marketing Hurdles And Box-Office Losses

Certification delays by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are leaving filmmakers in a bind. With the release date approaching and time running out, makers often have no choice but to accept the certificate to ensure the film hits theatres on schedule. However, the certification decision affected the film’s box-office prospects.

It also results in getting the film’s promotional material cleared. A senior marketing professional says delays in clearing promotional material have become one of the biggest challenges facing filmmakers. “The extended turnaround time for marketing material clearance has become a critical challenge for producers, and it needs an intervention as it impacts the campaign of the films,” the marketing professional says.

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Another issue affecting filmmakers is the abrupt scrapping of the Tatkal certification system. While the system was intended to provide an expedited route for certification, its cancellation has drawn mixed reactions from industry stakeholders.

Filmmakers such as Chetan DK, director of “The India Story,” believe the certification process is biased. He says he submitted his film well in advance but continued to face delays.

“I kept following up, but because of the name, “The India Story,” they kept delaying it. I met them many times and told them, ‘Sir, the film is in three languages. If you suggest any changes, I need time to make them. I can’t do it in one day.’ If there are changes in the dubbing, it takes time.”

Chetan adds, “I had submitted the promos much earlier for certification, but they simply didn’t certify them. Because of that, I couldn’t put the promos in theatres. They didn’t certify the teaser and trailer until the very end.”

Chetan also wonders whether larger banners are treated differently. “I feel other people’s films get certified quickly. I have heard that three films have been certified in a single day. For the big banners, I don’t know if they have some kind of influence, but they get certification quickly. Smaller producers don’t get anything.”

Inside the CBFC: Backlog and scrutiny

A CBFC member, speaking about the delays, attributed the backlog to increased scrutiny of films, particularly those dealing with sensitive subjects. “There’s a backlog because there’s major scrutiny of films, which takes time, and especially films with sensitive subjects.”

The member also raised concerns about the experience and understanding of some officials handling certification. “Many members don’t understand cinema and some don’t even know the rules.”

OTT and the changing nature of censorship

The debate isn’t limited to theatrical films. The growing scrutiny of content on OTT platforms has also become a concern within the industry. A source says OTT content is already facing greater scrutiny. “Excessive bloodshed and abuses are being reduced on OTT now because there’s greater scrutiny.”

However, former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati sees the situation differently. “Certifications are being handled routinely as before. There is no unusual trend at this time,” he says.

Industry bodies seek clarity

A representative from the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) says, “A lot of people are coming forward. For instance, they have introduced ADCC (audio description and closed captions), which costs an extra ₹75,000. As a result, regional filmmakers are releasing their content directly on YouTube without ADCC certification or CBFC clearance.”

He also points to the continuing problem of delays. “There is a huge backlog and our members have also been raising the issue.”

For filmmakers, however, the issue remains immediate: certification delays can affect not just the release date but also the marketing campaign, promotional rollout, exhibition plans and, ultimately, the commercial prospects of a film.