India's film board unveils stricter certification rules on violence, titles and drug scenes

The Central Board of Film Certification released updated certification guidelines that emphasize preventing content which could promote communal, anti-scientific or anti-national attitudes and avoid straining India’s diplomatic ties. Filmmakers are now barred from glorifying violence or showing criminal modus operandi that might facilitate crime, and any scenes involving illicit drugs must display the warning “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment.

Say No To Drugs.” The board also gained authority to reject titles considered provocative, vulgar or offensive, as seen in a Kerala High Court case over the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala. Certification categories have been expanded to six options—U, UA, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ and A—allowing finer age-based guidance.

The changes build on the 1991 framework but incorporate suggestions from a 2016 expert committee led by Shyam Benegal, which advocated a more limited, certification-focused role for the board. The CBFC’s 18-member panel now includes industry figures such as Pankaj Tripathi, Preity Zinta and Rupali Ganguly, with Shashi Shekhar Vempati serving as chairperson since May 2026.