The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 introduces age ratings for movies, giving viewers, especially parents, more information when choosing films for themselves or their children. However, the bill fails to meet the recommendations made by an expert committee led by filmmaker Shyam Benegal in 2017, as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) still retains its power to censor films rather than just classify them.
The new age ratings are U/A 7+, U/A 13+, and U/A 16+. This means that, for example, 14-year-olds can watch U/A 7+ and U/A 13+ films without an adult. Some filmmakers are unsure about the benefits of this system, as they prefer to target specific audiences. Even with age ratings, the CBFC can still censor films with an ‘A’ rating, including nudity and certain swear words in different languages.
During the parliamentary debate, the continued film censorship in the age of streaming and social media was questioned. Despite streaming platforms providing age ratings, some MPs raised concerns about swearing on these services.
These rules are hollow at the base of it. Consider the case of U/A 7+, it says children above 7 years of age don’t need an adult to watch the film. But it is important to keep in mind the number of 7 year olds who have the accessibility and independence to go to a movie theater on their own. Also, when the same movie comes to a streaming platform, then no movie is too far from anyone’s reach.
Let’s see how this bill would impact the film industry.