New film certification rules: Stricter age ratings, drug warnings, curb on violence

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced revised guidelines for film certification, introducing stricter provisions around the depiction of drugs, violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and other sensitive subjects in films. The revised guidelines for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were listed by the ministry on September 18, replacing the earlier guidelines notified in December 1991.One of the key changes is the introduction of a statutory warning for scenes depicting the consumption or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. Such scenes will have to carry the warning: “Illicit narcotics destroy health and guarantees imprisonment. Say No To Drugs”.The revised guidelines also state that films should not show the justification or glorification of drinking, drug addiction or tobacco consumption.What the new CBFC guidelines sayDrug use and trafficking: Scenes involving the consumption or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must carry the prescribed statutory warning.No glorification of addiction: Scenes that justify or glorify drinking, drug addiction or tobacco consumption should not be shown.Religious, communal content: The guidelines prohibit visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups and also prohibit content promoting communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific or anti-national attitudes.Violence: The CBFC should ensure that anti-social activities, including violence, are not glorified or justified.Sexual violence and portrayal of women: Scenes degrading women, including sexual violence or molestation, should not be presented. Where such scenes are relevant to the theme, they should be kept to a minimum and should not contain unnecessary details.Children and violence: Films should avoid depicting children as victims, perpetrators or forced witnesses of violence, as well as showing children being subjected to any form of abuse.Persons with disabilities: The guidelines caution against needless depictions of abuse or ridicule of people with physical or mental disabilities.Animal cruelty: Unnecessary depictions of cruelty or abuse of animals should also be avoided.Courts and dignity: Scenes that create scorn, disgrace or disregard for rules, or undermine the dignity of courts, should not be depicted.National interests: Films should not call into question the sovereignty and integrity of India or jeopardise the security of the state.Age-based certificationThe revised guidelines retain the age-based categories introduced by the government in May 2025:U/A 7+: Content suitable for children aged seven and above, with parental guidance for those below seven.U/A 13+: Content suitable for viewers aged 13 and above, with parental guidance for those below 13.U/A 16+: Content suitable for viewers aged 16 and above, with parental guidance for those below 16.The CBFC has also been instructed to scrutinise film titles to ensure that they are not provocative, vulgar, offensive or otherwise in violation of the certification guidelines.The latest changes mark a shift from the earlier framework, which already directed the CBFC to ensure that content encouraging, justifying or glamourising drug addiction was not shown, but did not prescribe a specific on-screen warning for such scenes.The changes came shortly after actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty, and Pankaj Tripathi, among 18 members, were appointed to the newly reconstituted CBFC panel for a three-year term.The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the fresh panel under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Taking effect immediately, the revamped composition arrives at a time when film classification frequently intersects with creative and public debate.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Sep 19, 2026 12:07 IST