CBFC certified 71,963 films in 5 years, certification of 10, including Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan', challenged in 2025

The number has more than doubled since 2024 where four films were challenged, followed by 1 in 2023, 4 in 2022 and 2 in 2021. The films challenged include Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' and Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life'.

A total of 10 films certifications were challenged before the High Court in 2025, showing a steep rise from 4 films in 2024 followed by 1 in 2023, 4 in 2022 and 2 in 2021, according to the data as mentioned in the press release issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

The films challenged include Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan and Kamal Haasan's Thug Life.

The films are often challenged against the initial clearance granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) when a content is believed to be unlawful, prejudicial, harmful, or if it can disrupt communal harmony.

Under the Cinematograph Act, a person can place an appeal against the order of the Board before a High Court. Such cases are dealt with in accordance with the outcome of the judicial proceedings.

Certification timeline reduced

The press release also mentioned that in a revolutionary move, the implementation of the Online Certification System has reduced the number of days it takes to award certifications to films.

As per Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. But with the implementation, the present average time taken for certification is reduced to 22 working days for feature films and three working days for short films.

How many films were certified in last 5 years?

As per the press release, over the last five years, CBFC has certified 71,963 films with 8299 in 2020-21, 12719 in 2021-22, 18070 in 2022-23, 17431 in 2023-24 and 15444 in 2024-25.

The films certified with cuts/modifications include 1475 in 2020-21, 1911 in 2021-22, 2205 in 2022-23, 2440 in 2023-24, 3033 in 2024-25.

However, 1 film in 2022-23 and 2 films in 2024-25 were refused certifications.

What is CBFC?

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, certifies films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and the guidelines issued thereunder.

Any cuts or modifications are recommended only if the content violates statutory parameters concerning sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.