NewKerala.com

Film Certification Now Takes Just 18 Days, Beats 48-Day Target: Govt

Union Minister L Murugan informed Parliament that the current average time for film certification is 18 working days, significantly faster than the prescribed 48-day limit. This efficiency is attributed to the implementation of an online certification system. The statement comes amidst a high-profile legal dispute involving the certification delay for the film 'Jana Nayagan'. The Madras High Court recently set aside an earlier order that had directed the CBFC to grant the film its certification.

Key Points: Film Certification Time Cut to 18 Days, Says Minister

  • Certification time reduced to 18 days
  • Online system speeds up process
  • 2,248 films certified in 2025-26
  • Legal battle over 'Jana Nayagan' delay
  • Madras High Court sets aside earlier order
3 min read

Present average time taken for film certification is 18 days against prescribed 48 working days: Union Minister L Murugan

Union Minister L Murugan states film certification now averages 18 days, far below the 48-day limit, amid legal battles over delays.

"The present average time taken for certification is 18 working days for feature films - L Murugan"

New Delhi, February 5

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L Murugan, told the Parliament on Thursday that the "present average time" taken for certification of a film is 18 days against the prescribed time limit of 48 working days.

Murugan was replying to a question raised by the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha.

After the implementation of the "online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 18 working days for feature films and three working days for short films," he said as quoted in a press release by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB).

"The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) functions in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Under Rule 37 of the said Rules, 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 18 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films," read the press note by MIB.

As per the year-wise details of films certified for theatre release by the CBFC, in 2025-2026, a total of 2248 films were certified, with 55 challenged before the Revising Committees and 10 before the High Court since the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in 2021.

The time taken for disposal of films in the Revising Committee is within the timeframe prescribed under Rule 37(7) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, as per the press note.

The response came amid the ongoing legal battle between the makers of Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' and CBFC over the delay of the certification of the film.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had earlier filed a caveat application seeking to be heard before the Supreme Court passes any order on the ongoing matter regarding the release and certification of the film Jana Nayagan.

The filmmaker KVN Productions moved the apex court on January 15, challenging the High Court's decision that had impeded the release of its film, scheduled for release on January 9. However, the top court declined to entertain the plea. A bench of Justices Deepankar Datta and A G Masih heard the matter and asked the Madras High Court to decide the case.

The Madras High Court on January 27 set aside an earlier order passed by a single-judge bench (of the High Court) which directed the CBFC to grant Jana Nayagan the U/A certification.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The average might be 18 days, but what about outliers like 'Jana Nayagan'? An average is meaningless if big films with potential "controversy" get stuck. The process needs to be transparent and consistent for all.
R
Rohit P
Digital India delivering! Moving certification online was a smart move. Saves time and probably reduces some unofficial "influence". Three days for short films is fantastic for indie creators.
S
Sarah B
While efficiency is good, speed shouldn't compromise the quality of review. The CBFC's role is important. I hope the faster turnaround doesn't mean they're just rubber-stamping applications without proper scrutiny of content.
K
Karthik V
The fact that only 55 out of 2248 films went to Revising Committee shows most certifications are smooth. But abolishing FCAT might be a problem. Now filmmakers have to go directly to High Court, which is more expensive and time-consuming. That needs a rethink.
M
Meera T
Good step by the government. Time is money for film producers. A faster certification process helps the entire industry - from actors to spot boys. More power to our filmmakers! 🎬

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50