The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has tightened its instructions for filmmakers seeking certification, asking production houses to submit only finished films and warning that planned release dates will not influence the examination process. The board has also cautioned producers against announcing film titles as final before they receive official approval.

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In an advisory dated October 26, 2026, the CBFC outlined five instructions for applicants submitting films and other content for certification. The directions have been issued under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

One of the key requirements is that every film submitted for examination must be ready for release, with all its elements completed. This includes graphics, opening and closing titles, credits, subtitles, disclaimers, censor certificate slates, background music, songs and the final sound mix. Where required for theatrical exhibition, accessibility provisions such as closed captions, subtitles for viewers with hearing impairments and audio descriptions must also be part of the submitted version.

The board has reiterated that theatres can screen only the version of a film that has received CBFC certification.

Film titles can still be changed during certification

The advisory also addresses the use of film titles in certification applications and promotional campaigns. The CBFC has clarified that a title entered in an application does not automatically become final once the application is filed or registered. The same condition applies to titles used for trailers, teasers and other promotional material.

According to the board, titles can be examined and altered by the Examining Committee or Revising Committee under Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Filmmakers have therefore been advised not to publicly announce or commit to a title as final until the certification process is complete.

Work-in-progress films may face delays or rejection

The CBFC has also warned against submitting unfinished prints in the hope of completing the remaining work during the certification process. Films containing temporary graphics, placeholder material, scratch scores or incomplete accessibility features may be treated as non-compliant with the submission requirements.

Such applications could be delayed, sent back to the applicants or rejected, the advisory states.

The board has further explained when an application will be treated as officially received. Filing the application alone is not enough. Applicants must first provide all the necessary documents and complete the prescribed formalities. Only after the application is accepted as complete will its receipt date be recorded. It will then enter the examination queue based on that date.

Announced release dates will not influence certification timelines

The CBFC has made it clear that a producer's planned release schedule will have no bearing on how quickly a film is examined. Neither a film's announced theatrical release date nor the proposed launch date of its trailer or teaser will be considered grounds for priority processing.

Certification will proceed according to the established procedures and timelines, irrespective of the dates publicised by production houses.

The advisory points out that the examination process may involve committee reviews and changes, including cuts or other modifications recommended by the Examining or Revising Committee. These stages require sufficient time, and filmmakers should not expect statutory or procedural deadlines to be shortened to accommodate release plans announced by them.

Producers asked to apply well ahead of release

In its final instruction, the board has urged production houses and other applicants to begin the certification process well before their intended release dates. They have been asked to account for the time needed for the initial examination, committee proceedings and implementation of any changes directed by the board.

The advisory, signed by CBFC Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh, also called on applicants to cooperate with the certification authority and follow the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and all other applicable guidelines.

The board said adherence to these requirements would help it carry out its statutory responsibilities smoothly and make the certification process more efficient and timely.