I&B Ministry
MPs push for fresh guidelines to promote India as film destination
NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) Arun Jaitley said that all efforts need to be taken to give the concept of India as a film destination a strong ‘Brand Push’ to promote India as a soft power.
The branding could be undertaken by creating and promoting a capsule that incorporated the key features of India’s professional ability, that is skills, human resources, diverse locales, filming support from institutional structures and core strengths of India’s film industry. This capsule needed to be showcased at all major international film festivals as part of the efforts to promote the ‘filming destination concept.’
The Minister was chairing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached to the I&B Ministry to discuss the issue of “India as a soft power – As a Filming Destination.” Minister of State Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was also present in the meeting.
Jaitley said the topic for discussion was extremely important in view of the efforts being made to project India’s ability and standing as a soft power and a filming destination. The concept would not only facilitate the contours of growth of the film industry but would also promote the diversity of India to the world through the medium of films and cinema. This initiative and proactive stance would boost the inflow of tourism in India from other countries. Jaitely also emphasized that there was a need to simplify procedures and rules in order to promote the idea in letter and spirit.
A presentation was made on behalf of the Ministry giving an overview of the steps and initiatives undertaken so far to promote India as a soft power. The presentation provided an overview of the processes involved to promote filming in India with reference to the multi pronged strategy adopted by the Ministry. Specific references were made to promotion to film festivals and film bazaars, co-production units, the proposed legislative framework and policy initiatives to promote skill development in the film industry.
Members of the Committee gave suggestions to ensure that the concerns of the stakeholders were addressed and the idea was implemented in totality. It was emphasized that skill development was a critical area and necessary measures needed to be taken by the Government and the industry together.
It was also suggested that rules and guidelines for promoting the destination concept required a relook. Laws and rules needed to be in sync with contemporary technological tools. It was also mentioned that the concept required collaboration and partnership between the ministry and the state governments and other stakeholders.
I&B Ministry
CBFC speeds up film certification; average approval time cut to 22 days
Over 71,900 films cleared in five years as digital system shortens approval timelines
MUMBAI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly reduced the time taken to certify films, with the average approval timeline now down to 22 working days for feature films and just three days for short films.
Operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statutory body certifies films for public exhibition in line with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The rules prescribe a maximum certification period of 48 working days, though the adoption of the Online Certification System has sharply accelerated the process.
Over the past five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the board certified a total of 71,963 films across formats. Of these, the majority fell under the U category with 41,817 titles, followed by UA with 28,268 films and A with 1,878 films. No films were certified under the S category during the period.
Film approvals have also steadily risen in recent years. The CBFC cleared 8,299 films in 2020-21, a figure that peaked at 18,070 in 2022-23 before settling at 15,444 films in 2024-25. During the same period, 11,064 films were certified with cuts or modifications.
Despite the high volume of certifications, outright refusals remain rare. Only three films were denied certification over the last five years, with one refusal recorded in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.
The board may recommend cuts or modifications if a film violates statutory parameters relating to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
Filmmakers can challenge CBFC decisions in court. Data shows that such disputes remain limited but have seen some fluctuation. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 21 certification decisions were challenged before High Courts, with the number rising to 10 cases in 2025.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan shared the data. The question was raised by Mallikarjun Kharge.
With faster timelines and a largely digital workflow, the certification process appears to be moving at a far brisker pace, signalling a shift towards quicker clearances for India’s growing film output.
