The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued a new advisory to filmmakers over last-minute certification requests. The advisory, signed by CEO Rajendra Singh, makes it clear that the board will no longer entertain rushed requests just because a movie’s release date is nearing.
Filmmakers will have to submit the complete version of their films for certification. Rough cuts and work-in-progress versions will not be accepted. The movie should have its final sound, background score and visual effects in place. Subtitles and audio descriptions should also be completed before submission. Films with temporary music or unfinished work will be rejected.
Announcing a release date in advance will not help filmmakers get special treatment either. The board has made it clear that publicity campaigns and premiere dates are not reasons to speed up the certification process. Even film titles will not be considered final until they get approval from the board.
This could be a problem for big-budget movies, as some teams continue working on CGI and colour work until the last few weeks before release. They will now have to finish post-production much earlier to avoid delays in certification. For theatres and audiences, this could also mean fewer last-minute show cancellations.
At the end of the day, filmmakers will have to plan their work properly and submit their movies on time. A release date announcement or publicity campaign will not help them get certification at the last minute.
