Why is Kerala Film Chamber unhappy with Censor Board's new rules on film titles?

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce has sought a review of the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) revised guidelines, objecting to a clause that allows changes to an approved film title during the certification process.

In a letter sent to CBFC CEO Rajendra Singh on November 7, the Chamber said the provision could create uncertainty in the Malayalam film industry and cause substantial financial losses to producers.

The objection centres on the CBFC's October 26 advisory, which states that a title approved earlier should not be treated as final and that the board has the authority to suggest changes.

The Chamber has said it has no objection to four of the five guidelines in the advisory. However, it wants the board to reconsider the provision concerning film titles.

Why the Chamber objects to the title-change provision

In its letter, the Chamber explained that film production involves investments worth several crores of rupees and requires coordination among actors, technicians and theatrical distributors.

A film's title is decided well before it reaches the certification stage. It is also used in publicity and promotional activities during pre-production, shooting and the period leading up to its release.

The Chamber said producers depend on an approved title for these activities and that a change at the final stage could disrupt their plans and increase costs.

"The certification process does not begin solely with the full-length feature film: trailers and publicity materials are also subject to certification. Therefore, your directive stating that an approved title shall not be construed as final will cause immense difficulty and uncertainty for the entire film industry," the letter said.

It also pointed out that the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and other film chambers across the country have been entrusted with the publicity clearance process under an order dated June 14, 1990 (No. 813/5/90-F (C)).

The Chamber said it had followed the procedure for decades, including registering proposed film titles. According to the organisation, titles are approved after screening to ensure that they do not contain anything offensive, degrading or obscene.

What the revised CBFC guidelines say

The CBFC issued the revised advisory on October 26, following the reconstitution of its board with 18 members.

One of its key provisions states that a title approved earlier cannot be considered final. The guidelines also give the examining committee the authority to recommend changes to a film's title.

The advisory contains other provisions concerning the certification process. These include a decision not to expedite certification based on a film's proposed release date and the rejection of applications for films submitted in a work-in-progress format.

The revised guidelines were issued against the backdrop of earlier disputes between filmmakers and the certification board.

The Chamber has asked the CBFC to reconsider the new provisions, warning that the changes could create difficulties for film production.

Chamber agrees to follow other four guidelines

While opposing the title-related provision, the Chamber has made it clear that it is prepared to comply with the other four guidelines.

It has also said it will advise its members to submit films in their complete and final form to help speed up the certification process.

"We remain committed to abiding by the other guidelines outlined in your advisory and will advise our members to submit their films in complete and final format to expedite the certification process," the letter said.

The Chamber has requested the CBFC to reconsider the title clause, pointing out that producers could face a massive financial burden if they are asked to change a film's name shortly before certification.

The letter was signed by Chamber general secretary Sony Thomas John and addressed to CBFC CEO Rajendra Singh.