Censor board gets power to change film titles under new certification rules

Thiruvananthapuram: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has introduced stricter regulations for film certification, including provisions empowering it to change film titles. Under the new directives, the title registered by a producer will not be considered final, and filmmakers may have to accept a different title suggested by the censor board.

The new restrictions have triggered concerns among producers and film organisations, who fear they could deal a major blow to the film industry.

The directives also state that applications for certification will not be accepted for films whose shooting is yet to be completed. Only the final copy of a film can be submitted for certification. Applications cannot be filed while filming is in progress or before it begins.

The board has also made it clear that certification procedures cannot be expedited merely because a film's release date has already been announced.

Another key provision states that registering a film title does not guarantee its final approval. Producers may be required to adopt a title suggested by the censor board.

Delays in certification could lead to postponement of film releases and financial losses for producers. The absence of a guaranteed timeline for certification, even when release dates have been announced in advance, is expected to add to the industry's concerns.

Film organisations, including the Film Chamber and the Producers' Association, have expressed strong opposition to the new directives.