Censor Board Certificate Decoded

Whether a movie is screened in a theater or television, the film certificate issued by CBFC is displayed initially before the movie plays out.

Even though, the audience are aware of the meaning behind the certificate, they cannot comprehend the letters written as they are displayed in a small font. Also, the certificate is shown for a minimum of 10 seconds on the screen, so the viewers don't get the chance to read the information in the certificate.

Decoding the CBFC film certificate, let's understand what information is displayed -

A code is written in capital and bold letters indicating the set audience for the movie. There are different codes for various sections of audience -

U - 'Unrestricted'

All the viewers can watch the movie without any restrictions.

UA- 'Unrestricted with caution'

Parental guidance is essential for audience below 12 years of age.

A- 'Adults only'

This code allows only viewers above 18 years to watch the movie in theaters and audience below 18 years are restricted.

S- 'Restricted to special classes'

The movie with this code can be accessible to only certain professionals such as doctors, scientists etc.

Beside the code, the duration of the film and number of reels are mentioned. The top right corner of the certificate holds information in the form of complex code which decides if the film can be viewed by the audience.

Below the national emblem, the film's certificate’s number, year of certification and location of censor board office is displayed.

Alongside the name of the film, the language, colour and type of film is mentioned. The certificate also mentions the names of censor examining committee members along with the names of applicant and producer beside signature of CEO of CBFC.

On the top of the certificate, the validity of film certificate is mentioned. If the certificate shows Part 1, then there are not many cuts suggested in the film but if Part 2 and triangular shape mark are shown, the movie has undergone several cuts.

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