The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 27, aims to “ensure the holistic growth of Indian cinema and safeguard the rights of everyone in the industry, from spot boys to technicians to filmmakers”, according to Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Anurag Thakur. The Bill will now be submitted for approval by the Lok Sabha.
“It aims to streamline the certification process, improve categorisation, and prevent unauthorised recording, copying, and transmission on the internet,” Thakur wrote in a tweet.
The bill proposes amendments to the Cinematograph Act of 1952 in order to impose stringent restrictions on film piracy. Due to this menace, the film industry loses Rs 20,000 crore annually, according to Thakur. Additional highlights of the bill include the addition of age-based certification categories and the indefinite validity of certificates.
Contravention of piracy
The bill proposes penalties and incarceration for pirates, as well as those who aid or attempt unauthorized recording. Previously, only camcorder piracy in the theater was encompassed by anti-piracy legislation. If the bill becomes law, internet piracy will also be subject to legal repercussions. It will enable the government to block websites that transmit unauthorized duplicates.
Those found culpable will receive a minimum of three months and a maximum of three years in prison. The bill also provides for a fine ranging from Rs 3 lakh to 5% of the film’s production budget.
Age-restricted film certification
In addition to U, UA, and A, the bill will restructure the film certification system in a manner similar to Hollywood’s age-based rating system.
According to the Cinematograph Act of 1952, films that can be viewed by anyone of any age are rated ‘U’. ‘UA’ certification is given to films that necessitate a parental discretion advisory for minors under 12 years old. Only films intended for adults (18 years and older) are placed in the ‘A’ category.
If the amendments are approved, there will be three new age-based categories: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. The new categories of ratings would be U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+, and A. These will provide greater clarity regarding the age-appropriateness of all cinematic content, allowing parents and guardians to determine if their children should view the film.
TV certification recertification
In addition, the bill contains additional provisions to empower the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Films approved for theatrical release will require a separate CBFC certificate for television and other media, as only films in the Unrestricted Public Exhibition category may be broadcast on television.
Certificate authenticity
Currently, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate is valid for 10 years. The proposed legislation would make the certificates legitimate eternally.
