Thursday 16 November 2017 | 2:53 PM

Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a Statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, regulating the public exhibition of films under the provision of Cinematography Act, 1952 and its involvement in the screening of Bollywood films have been extremely crucial from time immemorial. Films are publicly exhibited in India only after they are properly certified by CBFC.

A particular film is judged in its entirety from the point of view of its overall impact on the society; the period that it depicts compared to the contemporary scenario of the society and whether it is sensitive to the values and morality of the society. Artistic and creative freedoms are not unduly curbed provided they do not hurt the sentiments of the particular part of the society.

However, they are some guidelines and timelines set for the particular certification of a film. The standard time limit that should be ideally taken to certify a particular film of any origin is 68 days. Likely, for submission of application, the time limit is 7 days, formation of examining committee 15 days, forwarding the report to Chairman 10 days, communicating the order to the applicant is 3 days, surrender of Cuts by the producer 14 days, examination of cuts 14 days and finally issuing the certificate 5 days. Thus the total time limit that should be ideally taken to certify a film should be 68 days. But, reportedly, the norm is being not followed and big blockbuster films are being certified within 7 to 10 days.

Moreover, according to the protocol, whether it’s a big budget film or a regional film, it should be certified on the basis of submission and not on the basis of priority. But, recent trends show regional films are being kept in pipeline to certify the big budget films. Currently, the anti-Padmavati movement has escalated and spread across several parts of the country. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmavati’ has run into trouble for allegedly distorting historical facts and thus the protests have turned into a nationwide movement.

While Film Fraternity has supported the release of the film, Rajput Groups and BJP government have been trying to delay its release from December 1st. Finally, the Government has adopted legal ways to delay the release of the film. Apparently, if the 68 days certification process is followed by the Censor Board, then no way Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmavati can release in 2017. If standard procedure is followed, Padmavati can see the light of the theater in January end or February beginning next year. Other big budget films which are likely to suffer delay if the standard certification process of 68 days is followed are Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai which is all set to release on 22nd December and Kapil Sharma’s Firangi, which has a November release date. Currently, approx 250 films are already submitted for certification and if standard certification process is followed, we wonder how many films will suffer as their release dates will be further delayed. With just over two weeks left for Padmavati’s release, we wonder what will be the fate of the film if it doesn’t see its release in 2017!