CBFC earnings cross Rs 15-crore mark in 2023-24

The Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 posed significant challenges to the film industry, including bringing film production ground to a halt, leading to a noticeable decline in film certifications.

As the film industry rebounds, so does its economic significance.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has experienced a substantial increase in revenue generated from certification fees. In FY 2023-24, the board reported earnings of Rs 15.30 crore, marking an impressive rise of over 80% compared to the Rs 8.40 crore collected in the pandemic-stricken FY 2020-21.

According to the FY23-24 annual report of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the revenue jumped notably from FY 2020-21 to FY 2021-22, reaching around Rs 12.21 crore, and continued its upward trend in FY 2022-23 with earnings of Rs 14.95 crore. This financial resurgence underscores the industry's resilience and the public's renewed interest in cinematic experiences.

In the financial year (FY) 2023-24, the CBFC issued a total of 17,431 certificates.

This figure is particularly noteworthy given the contrasting scenario just a few years prior, during FY 2020-21, when the board issued only 8,299 certificates due to the pandemic's adverse effects.

The certification landscape has significantly shifted, with video films receiving 5,855 certificates and digital films accounting for 11,576 of the total. In FY 2022-23 alone, the CBFC issued 18,070 certificates, showcasing a promising upward trajectory in film production and consumption.

Looking back at how the pandemic affected Indian cinema, the industry lost 2.4 crore moviegoers to Covid, according to a report.

Film certification dipped to 8,299 films in 2020-21, as against a high of 22,570 in the pre-pandemic year of 2018-19, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry told a Parliamentary panel that the Covid-19 year also saw the CBFC prescribing modifications or cuts to 17.77 per cent of the total films submitted for certification.

According to the ministry data, a total of 22,570 films were certified in 2018-19, 20,593 in 2019-20, 8,299 in 2020-21 and 12,719 in 2021-22

It is vital to note that to bolster the film industry's integrity, the government notified the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, on August 4, 2023.

This legislative measure aims to combat piracy, a persistent threat to the creative arts. The new provisions impose strict penalties for copyright infringement, including a minimum of three months’ imprisonment and fines starting at Rs 3 lakh, with potential extensions of up to three years and fines reaching 5% of the audited gross production cost.

In a bid to streamline the certification process, the government has abolished the decade-long requirement for renewing a film's license, making it valid for a lifetime. This move not only simplifies the bureaucratic processes for filmmakers but also encourages a more sustainable approach to film production.

In addition to the anti-piracy measures, the amendment introduced a refined classification system for the existing UA (Universal Adult) certification. The new framework subdivides this category into three age-based classifications: 7+ years, 13+ years, and 16+ years. While these categories are recommendatory, they serve as valuable guidelines for parents and guardians, helping them make informed decisions regarding their children's viewing choices.

The revival of the Indian film industry is not just a testament to its inherent resilience but also a reflection of evolving audience preferences and technological advancements.

As the industry embraces digital platforms, filmmakers are presented with new opportunities to reach wider audiences. The rise of streaming services has transformed how films are produced, distributed and consumed.

The resurgence of Indian cinema in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the sector's resilience and adaptability.