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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has received a revised set of guidelines for film certification after nearly 35 years. The Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting notified the new framework on September 16, replacing the guidelines issued in 1991. While most of the earlier provisions have been retained, the updated framework includes changes related to drug-related content and age-based certification.
What Are The New CBFC Guidelines?
The revised CBFC guidelines state that films should not glorify violence or anti-social activities. They also say that the methods used by criminals should not be shown in a way that could encourage offences. Pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty, and horror are also to be avoided, especially when such scenes are mainly included for entertainment.
The guidelines also focus on the portrayal of children. Films should not needlessly show children as victims, perpetrators or forced witnesses to violence. Content involving child abuse is also covered under the revised framework. The guidelines further ask filmmakers to avoid unnecessary cruelty towards animals and abuse or ridicule of people with physical or mental disabilities.
No Sexual Violence And Vulgarity
The new framework also has provisions around sexual violence and the portrayal of women. Scenes involving physical abuse are to be avoided. If such content is important to the story, the guidelines state that it should be reduced to a minimum and should not contain graphic details.
The guidelines also continue to restrict content involving vulgarity, obscenity, and words with double meanings. Scenes that degrade or denigrate women are also not to be presented. The framework further asks filmmakers to avoid content that could be contemptuous towards racial, religious or other communities.
What Has Changed For Drug And Smoking Scenes?
One of the key changes in the revised framework concerns narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Films showing the consumption, use or trafficking of such substances will now have to carry a statutory warning. The prescribed warning reads, "Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs."
The guidelines also continue to state that scenes which justify or glorify drinking, drug addiction or tobacco consumption should not be shown.
