MAM
Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed CBFC Chairperson for 3 years
Appointed under Cinematograph Act; takes charge in honorary role with immediate effect
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… certification. India’s film watchdog has a new face at the helm, and this one comes with a policy playbook in hand. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), marking a key leadership shift in the country’s film certification body. The appointment, notified on 6 May 2026, is effective immediately.
Vempati will serve in an honorary capacity for a period of three years from the date of assuming charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The decision has been made under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The CBFC, headquartered in Mumbai, plays a critical role in regulating film content for public exhibition in India, making the Chairperson’s role central to shaping how stories make it to the big screen.
The notification, issued by the Ministry and signed by Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Additional Director (Films-I), has been circulated to key stakeholders, including CBFC officials and regional offices.
Vempati’s appointment comes at a time when content regulation is under sharper focus amid the rapid expansion of theatrical and digital storytelling, placing the CBFC at the intersection of creative freedom and regulatory oversight.
With a three-year runway ahead, the spotlight now shifts to how the new Chairperson navigates an evolving content landscape where every frame can spark both applause and debate.
