New Cinematograph Bill To Prevent Piracy & Add Film Certifications

The cabinet cleared a new Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2021 and there are changes going to happen regarding the prevention of piracy of films and also the film censor certification categories.

According to the new bill, there will be more categories for film certification introduced. The new certification categories include ‘U’ or universal, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, and U/A 16+, besides an ‘A’ rating for content restricted to adults. At present, three categories of film certification exist – unrestricted public exhibition or U, parental guidance required for children under 12 or U/A, and adult films or ‘A’.

The amendments also allow sub-categorization for film certification purposes, which appear to be in line with the age-based restrictions for OTT content providers.

The Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2021 also is going after film piracy. It suggests imprisonment ranging from three months to three years and a fine of at least Rs. 3,00,000 which may extend to a sum of up to 5 percent of the audited gross production cost of the film.