No Incomplete Films, No Release Date Pressure: CBFC Issues Fresh Advisory For Filmmakers

The Central Board of Film Certification issued a new advisory urging filmmakers to submit complete movies in advance, warning that titles and release dates are not considered final

Getting a film ready for release is a long process, and filmmakers have to take care of several things before their movies reach theatres. Now, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued a new advisory with some important instructions for filmmakers. The board has also made a few things clear about film titles, certification and release dates.

The advisory was issued on October 26, 2026, and was signed by CBFC Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh. It asks filmmakers to plan ahead instead of rushing to get their films certified just before release.

The CBFC has said that filmmakers must submit the final version of their films for certification. This means everything should be ready, including graphics, background music, songs and accessibility features. Filmmakers cannot submit unfinished films with temporary graphics or missing parts and expect the board to process their applications. Such submissions may be delayed or even rejected.

The board has also explained that an application will be officially counted as received only after it is found complete. So, sending an unfinished film early will not help filmmakers get ahead in the certification process.

Have filmmakers already announced their movie titles? Well, that does not mean the names are final! According to the new advisory, the CBFC can review a film's title and even ask for changes. This applies to titles used in promotions as well as those mentioned in certification applications.

The examining or revising committee can look into the title and decide if any changes are needed. This rule comes under Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

The CBFC has another important message for filmmakers who announce release dates months in advance. The board says it will not speed up or change its certification process just because a film has a fixed release date. Every film will go through the regular examination and review process. The examining and revising committees will follow the timelines and rules laid down under the law.

The advisory also makes it clear that the CBFC will not be responsible if filmmakers face problems because they have planned a release without leaving enough time for certification. The board has therefore asked filmmakers to send their films well in advance. This will give the CBFC enough time to watch them and suggest changes, if needed.

The new advisory comes after several films ran into trouble during the certification process. Vijay's Jana Nayagan is one such example. The film faced delays in getting its certification, and its makers even approached the court over the issue. However, they did not get any relief.

Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj, which was earlier titled Punjab '95, also never received clearance from the CBFC. The film was quietly released on Zee5 but was taken down within just a few hours.

The CBFC had also introduced new guidelines in September. Meanwhile, the latest advisory comes soon after 18 new members were announced for the board. This is the first time since 2017 that the CBFC has been reconstituted with new members. The list includes actors Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi and Suniel Shetty, along with Pallavi Joshi, Ricky Kej and Supriya Yarlagadda.