Archive · 19 Sep 2026
India Revises CBFC Rules on Violence, Drugs and Film Ratings
India has changed the rules used to approve movies for public viewing.
The new rules say films should not make drugs, violence or harmful behavior look appealing.
Movies showing drug use or illegal drug sales must display a warning about health and imprisonment.
Criminal methods should not be shown in ways that might encourage people to commit crimes.
Unnecessary violence, cruelty and horror should be avoided when they are included mainly for entertainment.
The rules also call for caution when showing sexual violence, child abuse and cruelty to animals.
Films must not insult communities or promote communalism, superstition or anti-scientific beliefs.
The changes also include more detailed age guidance through new UA ratings.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting revised film-certification guidelines, replacing rules introduced in December 1991.
Films must not glorify drugs, violence, anti-social activities, criminal methods, sexual violence or child abuse.
Scenes showing drug use, consumption or illegal sales must carry a mandatory anti-drug warning.
Pointless or avoidable violence, cruelty, horror and animal cruelty should be avoided, particularly when used mainly for entertainment.
The reconstituted 18-member CBFC includes actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty, Pankaj Tripathi and Rupali Ganguly, filmmaker Priyadarshan and musician Ricky Kej.
- Who
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
- What
- India revised film-certification rules covering drugs, violence, anti-social activities, sensitive subjects, warnings and audience ratings.
- When
- The revised guidelines were reported on September 19, 2026; they replace rules introduced in December 1991.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To regulate potentially harmful or glorifying portrayals, provide drug-related warnings and offer more detailed guidance about suitable audiences.
- Regulator
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- Issuing ministry
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Drug warning
- “Illicit narcotics destroy health and guarantee imprisonment. Say No To Drugs.”
- Restricted glorification
- Films should not glorify drug addiction, tobacco consumption, drinking, violence or anti-social activities.
- Sensitive subjects
- Violence, sexual violence, child abuse, molestation and criminal methods must be handled cautiously.
- Prohibited themes
- Content insulting communities or promoting communalism, superstition, anti-scientific beliefs or anti-national views is banned.
- Board composition
- The reconstituted CBFC has 18 members.
- Earlier rules
- The revised guidelines replace rules introduced in December 1991.
