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CBFC Certified 72,000 Films in 5 Years, Cuts Recommended for 11,000

The Central Board of Film Certification certified 71,963 films over the last five years, with annual numbers showing a significant increase. The implementation of an online system has reduced the average certification time for feature films to 22 working days. During this period, 11,064 films were cleared with recommended cuts or modifications, while only three were outright refused certification. The vast majority of films received 'U' or 'UA' certificates, with a small fraction receiving an 'A' rating.

Key Points: CBFC Certified 72K Films in 5 Years, Average Time 22 Days

  • 71,963 films certified in 5 years
  • Average certification time reduced to 22 days
  • 11,064 films cleared with cuts or modifications
  • Only 3 films refused certification
3 min read

CBFC certified 71,963 films in five years, Govt tells Rajya Sabha

Govt data reveals CBFC certified 71,963 films in five years, with 11,064 requiring cuts. Average certification time for features is now 22 working days.

"With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 22 working days for feature films - Ministry of I&B"

New Delhi, March 14

The Central Board of Film Certification has certified 71,963 films over the last five years, while also reducing the average time taken for certification of feature films to 22 working days with the implementation of an online system, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan shared the details in response to questions raised by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, which functions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, certifies films for public exhibition in accordance with statutory provisions and certification guidelines. Cuts or modifications are recommended only when content is found to violate parameters related to sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to an offence.

The data shows that the number of films certified annually by the CBFC has steadily increased in recent years. While 8,299 films were certified in 2020-21, the number rose to 12,719 in 2021-22 and further to 18,070 in 2022-23.

In 2023-24, the board certified 17,431 films, while 15,444 films were certified during 2024-25.

Out of these, several films were cleared with cuts or modifications suggested by the board. The number of such films increased from 1,475 in 2020-21 to 1,911 in 2021-22; 2,205 in 2022-23; 2,440 in 2023-24, and 3,033 in 2024-25.

Only three films were refused certification during the five-year period -- one in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.

Category-wise figures show that the majority of films were cleared under the 'U' and 'UA' categories. Of the total films certified, 41,817 received the 'U' certificate, 28,268 were certified under the 'UA' category, and 1,878 were cleared with an 'A' certificate. No films were certified under the 'S' category.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said: "As per Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 22 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films."

The ministry also informed that under Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for film certification is 48 working days. However, after the introduction of the Online Certification System, the average processing time has come down to 22 working days for feature films and three working days for short films.

The Cinematograph Act also allows filmmakers to challenge CBFC decisions before the High Courts.

Government data shows that such challenges have risen in recent years, with two cases filed in 2021, four in 2022, one in 2023, four in 2024 and 10 cases so far in 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting data. While efficiency is good, the steady increase in films that need cuts (from 1,475 to 3,033) is a bit concerning. Are the guidelines becoming stricter, or is content pushing more boundaries? Would love more transparency on what specific scenes are being modified.
A
Aman W
Only 3 films refused in 5 years out of 72k! That's actually a very high clearance rate. It shows the CBFC is not a "banning" body as sometimes portrayed, but one that works with filmmakers. The rise in appeals to High Courts is also a healthy check and balance.
S
Sarah B
The number of films certified is staggering! Over 18,000 in one year? That's nearly 50 films a day. It speaks to the massive creative output across India's many film industries. The 'U' and 'UA' dominance makes sense for our family-oriented viewing culture.
V
Vikram M
Good to see digitization improving government services. 22 days is reasonable. But the real question is about the quality of certification. Are the cuts always justified, or is there sometimes unnecessary moral policing? The parameters are broad, leaving a lot to interpretation.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, I appreciate that most films are U or UA. It's helpful to know what my kids can watch. The system seems to be working efficiently. Jai Hind! 🙏

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