New Delhi: In the latest development, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued a fresh advisory clarifying that films must be complete
to be certified, announced release dates will not speed up the process, and a publicly promoted film title is not final until certification.
The advisory, dated October 26, 2026, has been signed by CBFC Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh and lays down five key points for producers and applicants seeking certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The development comes after the CBFC board was reconstituted for the first time since 2017. The 18-member board includes several prominent names from the entertainment industry, including Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Pallavi Joshi, Ricky Kej and Supriya Yarlagadda.
CBFC says no to incomplete films
According to the latest advisory, a movie submitted for examination and certification must be in its “total, final and complete form”. That means filmmakers cannot submit a rough version while work continues behind the scenes. The final copy should include graphics such as titles, credits, subtitles, disclaimers and the censor certificate slate, along with the finished background score, music and sound mix.
Accessibility features intended for the theatrical version, including closed captions, subtitles for the hearing-impaired and audio description, wherever applicable, must also be part of the submitted version. The CBFC has further reiterated that only the version of a film duly certified by the Board can be exhibited in theatres.
No more submitting work in progress films for Censor Certification. #CBFC toughens the rules.
For the attention of Producers & Directors:
CBFC Strict Adherences for Producers & Film Makers:
• FINAL VERSION Mandatory including Closed Captions, Subtitles, Audio Description, BGM etc., whatever applicable.
• Film TITLES Not FINAL Until CERTIFICATION. It’s subject to change as per censor guidelines & CBFC Retains the Right to modify Titles.
• INCOMPLETE Applications May Be RETURNED, REJECTED or even face RELEASE DELAYS.
• RELEASE Dates Will NOT INFLUENCE Certification.
— G Dhananjheyan (@Dhananjayang) November 2, 2026
Work-in-progress prints could be returned or rejected
According to the advisory, applications accompanied by incomplete prints, temporary or placeholder graphics, scratch or temporary scores or missing accessibility elements may be treated as non-compliant. Such submissions could face delays, be returned or even be rejected.
The timing of the application is also significant. A certification application will be considered complete only after all required documents have been submitted and the prescribed formalities have been fulfilled. The date on which the application is approved as complete will be treated as its date of receipt. It will then be placed in the queue for examination on that basis.
For filmmakers working against a tight theatrical deadline, this effectively means that submitting an unfinished version early may not give them an advantage.
Film’s title announced may not be final
A title mentioned by a producer in a certification application, including for a film, trailer, teaser or promo, should not be considered approved simply because the application has been submitted or registered. The title can still undergo scrutiny, review and modification by the Examining or Revising Committee in accordance with the applicable guidelines.
The CBFC has therefore advised producers against publicising or committing to a film title as final before certification. The provision has been reiterated in accordance with guidelines under Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
Release date won’t put a film on the fast track
Locking a major festival weekend or announcing a release date months in advance will not be a reason for the CBFC to speed up certification either.
The advisory states that the proposed or announced release date of a film, or the launch date of its trailer or teaser, “shall NOT” be taken into consideration while processing a certification application.
Instead, certification will follow the procedure and timelines prescribed under the existing Act and Rules, irrespective of the release schedule announced by the producer. The CBFC has pointed out that examination and review can also involve revisions, cuts or modifications directed by the Examining or Revising Committee, all of which require adequate time.
CBFC tells filmmakers: Plan ahead
Producers and applicants have been asked to submit films sufficiently in advance of their intended release dates. They are expected to factor in the time required for examination, committee review and compliance with any directions subsequently issued by the CBFC.
The Board has also sought cooperation from applicants and asked them to strictly comply with the Cinematograph Act, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and other applicable guidelines. The advisory comes at a time when certification disputes have increasingly become part of conversations surrounding major Indian releases.
One of the highly publicised cases involved Jana Nayagan, starring Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, whose certification became the subject of a legal battle. The filmmakers approached the court over the certification issue but did not receive the relief they sought.
Diljit Dosanjh’s long-delayed film Punjab ‘95, meanwhile, also faced an extended certification battle. The film was later retitled Satluj. According to the information available for this report, it was subsequently made available on ZEE5 before being taken down within hours.
