Nov 02, 2026 12:17pm IST
CBFC Instructs Filmmakers to Submit Only Final Versions; Titles Subject to Changes in New Guidelines
The Central Board of Film Certification has issued a new set of guidelines for filmmakers and technicians planning to avail themselves of its services. According to the document, filmmakers must submit final versions of films to the board, and any incompleteness may cause delays or the board to return the applications. Furthermore, they have updated regulations around the accessibility features and modifications to the titles after submission.
Mandatory final version: CBFC has directed filmmakers to submit films only in their complete state in terms of their graphics, titles, credits, subtitles, disclaimers, censor certificate slates and background score. The accessibility features, including closed captions, subtitles for the hearing impaired and audio description, are also required to be in their complete state.
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Title modifications: The board holds the right to modify the titles of the films after their submission and so the titles must not be treated as final at the time of submission. Guidelines issued under Section 5B (1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, have to be adhered to, with the CBFC advising filmmakers not to publicize the title
No incomplete prints: CBFC says, “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.” The applications will be queued for review with the date of receipt considered.
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Release date not a ground for expedited processing: A publicized release date for the film does not account for its fast processing time. The certification will follow the due process, procedure and timelines. They have instructed that the “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.”
Pre-planning: Filmmakers and producers have been advised to plan well in advance to allow the CBFC to process the applications appropriately.
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