Explainer: How Indian films get the all-important 'C' certificate
Ever wondered who decides what movies you're allowed to watch in theaters?
In India, that's the job of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
This board reviews every film before it hits the big screen.
What does the CBFC look at?
The CBFC sorts films into categories: U for everyone, A for adults only, S for specialized groups, and UA—with new age bands (UA 7+, 13+, 16+) added this year.
They check if movies stick to rules about public order and concerns over religious sensibilities, law and order, or portrayal of institutions.
If something crosses the line, they can ask filmmakers to make cuts or changes.
What if a filmmaker disagrees with the board's decision?
If a filmmaker isn't happy with CBFC's decision (maybe they feel edits are unfair), they can now take their case straight to a high court.
The courts look at whether the process was fair—not at creative choices—so there's still a way to push back while keeping things balanced between free expression and social responsibility.