CBFC: Central Board of Film Certification

The Central Board of Film Certification’s role is to regulate for content. The CBFC does not regulate for financing, distribution or exhibition. It certifies the films before their public release. It covers commercial, educational, foreign and dubbed films including trailers, short films and ads that play at cinemas, but not news documentaries. They preview approximately 13,500 films a year. The CBFC is headed by a chairperson a CEO and 12 to 15 ‘board members’ headquartered in Mumbai with nine regional offices. The CBFC certifies films as U UA A S and appeals can be made to the film certification appellate tribunal.  The “U” stands for universal. This is unrestricted public exhibition and typically contains educational, social or family oriented themes. “UA” is parental guidance and means that all ages are admitted but it may contain mature themes such as sexual references and violence. “A” is for adults only. It is restricted to an adult audience, 18 and over, and may contain disturbing themes and frequent crude language. “S” is restricted to a special class or persons. This often is specialized for doctors and such special groups.