CBFC Delays: Are Big Banners Getting VIP Treatment?

CBFC Certification Delays Raise Concerns

CBFC cuts have always made headlines. But the certification delays are something that has now started creating trouble for multiple production houses, as they cannot release the films on promised dates and, eventually, the buzz that is created at the beginning ends at last.

Certain personalities have now shared their opinions about the delays. A marketing professional said that the extended period for marketing clearance of the material is a big headache for several makers, and it now needs to change.

Notably, the sudden cancellation of the Tatkal certification brings additional challenges. The India Story director Chetan DK shared his experience, saying that his film faced a similar issue where he kept on contacting the officials, addressing the time that is needed to do certain things before bringing the movie to the theatres.

Chetan even expressed his doubts about the CBFC’s behavior with other big banners. He believes that those films are possibly certified quickly, as he heard that in one case, three films were reportedly certified in a day.

On the other hand, a CBFC member addressed the delays by saying that there are many films, so it takes time, especially for the ones with sensitive themes. The person even claimed that certain officials don’t even understand movies and are unaware of the rules.

Apart from theatrical films, even the OTT titles are facing the same problem. A representative for IMPAA said that a few filmmakers have even opted to bring their content on YouTube without getting clearance from CBFC and ADCC certification. The latter costs around Rs. 75,000.

Netizens reacted to the matter by saying that CBFC needs to change its way of working. Addressing the delays in film certification, social media users said that the CBFC should now start resolving matters instantly instead of waiting for multiple days and weeks, especially in cases where they find that a particular piece of content might create controversy.

A particular section also said that the officials should be changed now because a lot of them have no idea about the content that people like to watch, and they end up ruining the audience’s experience by making unnecessary cuts.

While the delays in CBFC certification have once again grabbed attention, only time will tell if the working process will change for good or if it will remain the same.