Govt defends UA certificate to ‘Jungle Book’ (3D)

NEW DELHI: Even as it is still studying the recommendations of the Shyam Benegal Committee on film certification, the Government has justified the U/A certification to the English film “Jungle Book” (3D).

The minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said in reply to a question in the Parliament that, though it was a children’s film, the Examining Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification judged it in its entirety from the viewpoint of its overall impact and felt that being in 3D technology, some of the visuals and sound effects could be scary for children below 12 years.

Therefore, the film was recommended for “UA” certificate – universal viewing with parental guidance for children below 12 years. Similar grading was given for this film – “Parental Guidance” – in countries such as Australia, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines.

CBFC certifies films for public exhibition in accordance with the Cinematograph Act 1952, Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 and guidelines issued thereunder.The Board issues certificates under the categories ‘U’, ‘UA’, ‘A’ or ‘S’ as applicable in accordance with Section 5A of the Cinematograph Act.