CBFC Mandates ‘Final’ Music And VFX Before Censor Certification

Article by Kumar Published on: 10:55 am, 2 November 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued new instructions to filmmakers submitting films for certification. In a latest advisory, the board emphasized five key points for everyone seeking a film certificate.

CBFC warns that incomplete applications with temporary elements will face delays or rejection, and emphasizes that pre-announced release dates will not expedite the statutory review process. Furthermore, the CBFC cautions that film titles remain subject to modification and urges producers to submit their applications well in advance to ensure smooth compliance.

Films must be submitted in their absolute final form, including all complete graphics, sound mixes, and intended accessibility features. Therefore, submitting the final version of the movie is mandatory from now on.

Additionally, the submitted film title is not guaranteed and remains subject to review and modification by the Examining or Revising Committee. This means every project will undergo strict title scrutiny.

Applications containing temporary placeholders, scratch scores, or incomplete prints are deemed non-compliant and risk delay or rejection. This is a very important advisory issued by the board.

The board clearly stated that an announced release date will not expedite processing, as all certifications must follow standard statutory procedures and timelines.

At the same time, producers are instructed to submit applications well in advance to allow time for committee reviews and required modifications.

Of late, many filmmakers get a censor certificate for their film by submitting incomplete prints. They get the film reviewed first and then work on BGM and other elements in the backend. But from now, the censor board is going to act seriously on those submitting incomplete prints and the mandate is clear that the full and final versions will only be reviewed.