Archive · 25 Sep 2025
CBFC's Chopping Board: Caste, Politics, and Film Censorship
The government's film censor board, CBFC, is making changes to movies before they can be shown.
They are cutting or changing scenes, words, and even character names.
Movies about sensitive topics like caste, politics, and religion are being reviewed carefully.
For example, in one movie, a character's name was changed, and in another, parts were cut.
The board aims to make sure films follow rules, even if filmmakers disagree.
CBFC has been making cuts and changes to various films before certification.
Films on caste, politics, and religious themes are primary targets for edits.
The Bengal Files was revised, including renaming a character and changing a photo.
Filmmakers are expressing concerns about censorship and the lack of reforms to the Cinematograph Act.
The CBFC introduced sub-categories like 'UA16+' to align film ratings with audience maturity.
- Who
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- What
- Censorship of films
- When
- Ongoing; specific examples from recent months
- Where
- India
- Why
- To regulate content based on perceived sensitivities and compliance with guidelines.
- Organization
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- Key Films Affected
- The Bengal Files, Jolly LLB 3, Phule, Sitaare Zameen Par
- Common Themes
- Caste, Politics, Religion
- Changes Made
- Muting words, modifying disclaimers, and altering visuals
- Act Mentioned
- Cinematograph Act of 1952
