Explainer: On what basis does the Censor Board use scissors on films? Know what is the meaning of U, U/A and A certificate

UA-A-Certificates Explainer: Hundreds of films are made every year in India. These include films of big and small actors as well as superstars. But no film is released directly in theatres. Every film has to go through a process before being released on the big screen. During this process, it is decided which film will get which certificate and whether any changes are needed in it. In recent times, there was discussion about the ratings and cuts of films like Alpha, Cocktail 2 and Main Vaapas Aaunga. In such a situation, it becomes important to know on what basis the Censor Board decides which film is given U, U/A and A certificate and why cuts are made in it.

What is the function of censor board?

In India, the work of giving certification to films is done by the Central Board of Film Certification i.e. CBFC. It is also called Censor Board in simple language. This board works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. Its job is to see whether there is any scene or content in the film which can have an adverse impact on the legal system, the security of the country or the society.

Technically, the job of CBFC is not to stop films but to give them certificates. However, after watching the film the board may suggest some changes or cuts. Many times the makers of the film accept those changes and after that the film gets certificate.

Under which law does CBFC work?

The work of the Censor Board is done under the Cinematograph Act 1952. Changes have also been made in this law from time to time. In recent years, some changes were also made through the Cinematograph Amendment Act 2023. The Constitution of India gives people the freedom to express their views and show their art. But some limitations have also been set along with this. For this reason, films are sent to the Censor Board for scrutiny before release to see whether the content is suitable for the common people or not.

Which certificates are given to films?

CBFC gives four types of certificates to films.

U certificate

The first is ‘U Certificate’. This means that the movie is perfect for people of all ages. Children, youth and elderly can all watch such films. There is not much violence, abuse, obscenity or scary scenes in these. These films can be watched sitting with the family.

U/A Certificate

It comes with U/A certificate. U/A certificate is given to those films which may contain some scenes which are not considered completely appropriate for small children.

After the new rules, the U/A category has been divided into three parts.

U/A 7+ – For children above 7 years.

U/A 13+ – For children and teens above 13 years of age.

U/A 16+ – For youth above 16 years.

These films may contain mild violence, scary scenes or some such topics for which parental advice is considered necessary.

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A certificate

A certificate is only for people of 18 years of age or older. If a film contains excessive violence, gore, obscene scenes, drug use or excessive abuse, then it is given an A certificate. Such films are considered to be shown to children.

S certificate

This is the least used certificate. S certificate is not for common people. It is given to films or documentaries made for doctors, scientists, engineers or people associated with certain professions.

What does the censor board look for in a film?

When a film reaches CBFC, the board does not just look at its story. The scenes of violence, bloodshed, abuse, romantic scenes, drug-related scenes and religious matters shown in the film are also carefully observed. If any scene is likely to cause controversy or may hurt the sentiments of any section, then the board can use scissor on it. This is why many times film makers are asked to change some dialogues, remove words or shorten scenes.

Why are there cuts in films?

The purpose of making cuts is not just to shorten the film. If the board feels that a scene is excessively violent, a scene may send a wrong message or a dialogue may create controversy, then it is asked to make changes. Sometimes only a few words are beeped. In some cases a scene is shortened. In some cases, the scene is asked to be blurred. These changes are called cuts in simple language.

What is Revising Committee?

If a filmmaker does not agree with the decision of the Examining Committee, he can take the matter to the Revising Committee. This team watches the film again and after thinking about it, gives a decision. After this the film is reviewed again. Many times the decision of the Revising Committee is also changed.

What happens if things still don’t work out?

Earlier, film makers had the option of going to FCAT (Film Certification Appellate Tribunal). But FCAT has been abolished. Now if a producer is not happy with the final decision of the Censor Board, then he can directly approach the High Court. That means the final decision of the board can also be challenged through the court.

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