Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Context
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has issued the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024, aligning with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023.
Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024
Introduction
The Indian film industry is a vibrant and diverse landscape, churning out over 3,000 films annually in more than 40 languages. Among these, the South Indian film industry stands out, accounting for an impressive 47% share of the total films produced. In the year 2020, this dynamic industry generated a staggering 183 billion Indian rupees from a slate of 1,800 movies. Guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India aims to become a global content hub, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and diversity. Indian Cinema not only entertains but also serves as a powerful vehicle for promoting Indian culture, society, and values on the global stage, contributing significantly to India’s soft power.
Key aspects of Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024
- Aim: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, aims to streamline and modernize the film certification process for the digital age, aligning with emerging technologies and advancements in the film sector.
- Comprehensive Revision: The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 have undergone a comprehensive overhaul to improve and contemporize the entire process of certifying films for public exhibition.
- Online Certification Process: The adoption of an online certification process enhances transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for the film industry.
- Time-Effective: Implementing complete digital processes aims to eliminate transactional time and reduce the time taken for film certification.
- Accessibility Features: Movies and feature films must incorporate accessibility features for certification, ensuring inclusivity for disabled persons, as stipulated in the guidelines.
- Age-Based Certification: The UA category is now classified into UA7+, UA13+, and UA16+, serving as recommendations for parents or guardians to decide content suitability for their children.
- Women Representation: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Board and Advisory Panels will prioritize greater representation of women, with one-third of Board members being women and preferably half on the Panels.
- Priority Screening: Filmmakers can request priority screening in urgent cases due to prior commitments, enhancing transparency and promoting ease of doing business.
- Perpetual Validity of Certificates: The restriction on certificate validity for only 10 years has been removed, ensuring perpetual validity of CBFC certificates.
- Recertification for TV Broadcast: Only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television after recertification of edited content for TV broadcast.
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- Statutory Body: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regulates film exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- Ministry: CBFC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Launch Year: Established in 1951.
- Headquarters: Located in Mumbai.
- Composition: The Board includes a Chairman and non-official members.
- Appointment: All members are appointed by the Central government.
- Regional Offices: CBFC has 9 regional offices across major cities in India.
- Advisory Panel: Regional offices receive assistance from an advisory panel during film examination.
- Panel Members: The panel comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, nominated by the Central government for a 2-year term.
- Film Certification: Public exhibition of movies in India requires certification by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023
- The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 revises the existing Cinematograph Act of 1952. Notably, the last significant amendments occurred in 1984. This new act establishes the Board of Film Certification, responsible for certifying films for public exhibition.
- Certifications may be subject to modifications or deletions, and the Board has the authority to refuse film exhibition. The act primarily targets the rampant issue of piracy, which has caused substantial financial losses (estimated at ₹20,000 Crores) to the film industry.
- The provisions include stringent penalties, with a minimum 3-month imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakhs, extendable up to 3-year imprisonment and a fine of 5% of the audited gross production cost.
Key amendments to the Cinematograph Act
- Addressing Unauthorized Recording and Exhibition: The act aims to tackle unauthorized recording and exhibition of films, particularly film piracy through unauthorized internet transmission and copying.
- Streamlined Certification Process: It seeks to improve the certification procedure for films exhibited to the public by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), enhancing categorization of film certifications.
- Harmonization with Legal Framework: The act aligns with executive orders, Supreme Court judgments, and other relevant legislations.
- Anti-Piracy Measures: Strict penalties are introduced to prevent unauthorized cam-cording in theaters and online transmission of pirated film copies.
- Age-Based Certification: The existing UA category is subdivided into UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+, providing recommendations for parents or guardians regarding suitable content for children.
- Supreme Court Alignment: Revisional powers of the Central Government are omitted, following a Supreme Court judgment.
- Perpetual Validity of Certificates: The restriction on certificate validity is removed, ensuring perpetual validity of CBFC certificates.
- TV Broadcast Recertification: Only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television after recertification of edited content.
- Jammu and Kashmir Reference: References to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir are omitted in line with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Impact of Indian Film Industry: A Multifaceted Contribution
- Employment Generation:
- The film industry provides jobs directly and indirectly to a vast workforce.
- Beyond actors and directors, it employs professionals such as technicians, cameramen, scriptwriters, and makeup artists.
- Ancillary industries like tourism and hospitality also benefit from film-related activities.
- Revenue Generation:
- The Indian film industry earns substantial revenue through box office collections, overseas sales, and digital streaming.
- Bollywood alone produces over 200 films annually, captivating audiences both domestically and internationally.
- Regional cinemas (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi) also contribute significantly.
- Contribution to GDP:
- The film industry plays a vital role in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Reports from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) highlight robust growth in the media and entertainment sector.
- Indian movies’ global appeal contributes to this economic impact.
- Promotion of Tourism:
- Indian films influence tourism by showcasing picturesque locations.
- Tourists are drawn to places featured in popular movies, boosting local economies.
- The concept of “film tourism” has gained prominence.
- Soft Power:
- Bollywood and regional films serve as India’s soft power.
- They enhance India’s image globally, reaching audiences beyond the Indian diaspora.
- Indian film festivals, collaborations, and actors’ presence in Hollywood contribute to this influence.
Challenges faced by the Indian film industry
- Piracy Menace:
- Film piracy remains a significant challenge.
- Unauthorized copies of films circulate online, leading to financial losses for producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
- Piracy affects both domestic and international revenues.
- Outdated Laws:
- The existing legal framework needs modernization.
- Outdated provisions hinder industry growth and intellectual property protection.
- OTT Platforms and Regulation:
- Over-the-top (OTT) platforms (e.g., Netflix) have revolutionized content consumption.
- Lack of precise regulatory frameworks for OTT platforms creates challenges.
- Uncensored content on digital platforms impacts traditional film distribution.
- Changing Consumer Behavior:
- Viewers now prefer specific content tailored to their preferences.
- The shift from mass-produced content to targeted content poses challenges for filmmakers.
- Overproduction and Market Saturation:
- The increasing number of films produced leads to market saturation.
- Oversupply affects box office returns and competition among films.
- Mental Health and Industry Pressure:
- Long working hours, performance pressure, and criticism impact mental health.
- Balancing creativity with commercial success is challenging.
- Technological Adaptation:
- Keeping pace with technological advancements is crucial.
- Incorporating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and new formats poses challenges.
- Economic Impact of the Pandemic:
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted film production, distribution, and exhibition.
- Economic repercussions continue to affect the industry.
Way forward
- Balancing Protection and Expression:
- Age-based certification ensures a delicate balance between safeguarding vulnerable audiences (especially children) and upholding freedom of expression and consumer choice.
- It acknowledges that different age groups have varying sensitivities to content.
- Comprehensive Effort:
- Recent rules reflect a comprehensive effort to address the evolving needs of the film industry.
- These regulations consider advancements in technology, changing audience demographics, and diverse content distribution methods.
- Supporting Indian Cinema:
- The updated regulations aim to support the growth and success of Indian cinema.
- By fostering efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity, they create an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.
- Content Diversity:
- The certification process encourages filmmakers to produce a wide range of content.
- From family-friendly films to edgier narratives, the system accommodates diverse genres and themes.
- Educational Initiatives:
- Awareness campaigns educate audiences about age-based certifications.
- Understanding these labels empowers viewers to make informed choices.
- Adapting to Digital Platforms:
- With the rise of OTT platforms, certification extends beyond theatrical releases.
- Guidelines for streaming services need continuous refinement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 mark a significant step toward modernizing India’s film certification process. By introducing age-based categories, promoting transparency, and emphasizing women’s representation, these rules align with the industry’s evolving needs. The Indian film industry, a powerhouse of creativity and revenue, continues to thrive. It serves as a global content hub, promoting Indian culture, generating employment, and contributing to India’s soft power. As filmmakers adapt to digital platforms and navigate challenges, these rules provide a framework that balances artistic expression with responsible content, ensuring a vibrant cinematic landscape.
Sources and References: The Hindu | PIB | CBFC | Business Standard
Practice Question
Analyze the impact of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 2024, on the Indian film industry, considering aspects such as freedom of expression, regulation, gender representation, and technological integration. Discuss the balance between artistic creativity and social responsibility in light of these new rules. [250 words]
How to approach this Question?
Introduction:
- Begin by briefly introducing the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 and their significance.
- Mention that these rules aim to modernize film certification processes and address emerging challenges in the industry.
- Set the context for the subsequent discussion on their impact.
Body:
- Freedom of Expression and Regulation:
- Discuss how the new rules impact filmmakers’ freedom of expression.
- Highlight any provisions that may restrict artistic creativity or impose content guidelines.
- Analyze whether these regulations strike an appropriate balance between artistic freedom and societal norms.
- Gender Representation and Inclusivity:
- Examine the rules’ provisions related to gender representation.
- Note the requirement for greater representation of women on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and advisory panels.
- Evaluate whether this promotes inclusivity and diverse perspectives in film certification.
- Technological Integration and Challenges:
- Explore how the rules address technological advancements.
- Consider aspects like online certification processes, digital distribution, and streaming platforms.
- Discuss challenges faced by the industry in adapting to these changes.
- Artistic Creativity vs. Social Responsibility:
- Delve into the delicate balance between artistic creativity and social responsibility.
- Assess whether the rules encourage filmmakers to produce diverse content while adhering to ethical and cultural norms.
- Reflect on the impact of this balance on the overall quality and relevance of Indian cinema.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the multifaceted impact of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, on the Indian film industry.
- Emphasize the need for continuous evaluation and refinement to ensure that these rules foster creativity, protect audiences, and contribute to a vibrant cinematic landscape.
- Conclude by acknowledging the industry’s role as a cultural ambassador and its potential to shape societal narratives through responsible filmmaking.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!