We know that every film nowadays is released under a variety of categories. Like there are many movies you can’t see with your family, kids, or in a public . And the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has granted certification to these many types of films. For the movies, CBFC assigns U/A, U, A, and S, among others. But do you know how this certification is decided?
But first, let’s take a look at CBFC. The CBFC is led by a Chairperson and consists of 25 board members and 60 advisory panel members from around India. The I&B Ministry appoints these individuals. The board of directors is usually made up of film and television professionals, whereas the advisory panel is made up of persons who are generally from outside the business. The chairperson and board members are appointed for three years, and the advisory panel members are appointed for up to two years. The CEO is in charge of the organization’s administrative functions; however, the Examining Committees that certify films are made up of regional executives.
U, UA, A, S, V/U, V/UA, and V/A are some of the numerous types of film certifications determined by the CBFC.
U stands for Universal, and these movies or films can be viewed
by people of all ages starting at the age of four. They may
feature societal topics as well as mild violence and language.
UA stands for Parental Guidance; these films can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but children under the age of 12 are advised to watch them with the supervision of their parents or elders. Because the films may include mature content as well as sexual themes and crude language.
A means over the age of 18, and those under the age of 18 are not permitted to watch, buy, or rent any CD/DVD with this classification.
S stands for Specialist, and these videos are exclusively available to professionals in specific fields, such as engineers and doctors.
V/U, V/UA, and V/A are video launch categories for any film having a certain certificate.
Now and again in India, the issue of certification comes to the fore. Have you heard about the case of Chidiakhana, which made headlines after the court slammed it for refusing to give CBFC a ‘U’ certification? The Children’s Film Society of India produced the film, which is part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The CBFC had issued Chidiakhana a U/A certificate, and the court stated in a statement that the CBFC is a certification board, not a censor board.
So, before a film can be released on the big screen, it must pass
some sort of certification. India has one of the world’s major film industries, with over 1250 feature films and a considerable number of short films released each year. Every day, an estimated 15 million people in India watch movies in over 13,000 cinemas, on cable, or videocassette recorders. Every two months, India’s as much as population comes to the country’s movie theatres.