Kerala Film Chamber Opposes New CBFC Advisory On Movie Titles

The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce has strongly opposed a recent advisory issued by the Central Board of Film Certification that allows examining committees to review and modify film titles.

The Advisory

The CBFC issued a five-point advisory on October 26, 2026, stating that movie titles provided in certification applications are not final just because they are submitted or registered. The advisory notes that titles remain open to scrutiny and changes by examining or revising committees under the Cinematograph Act and Rules. It also advises producers not to promote or treat a title as final before receiving official certification, while also requiring all films to be submitted in their complete and final form.

Industry Concerns

KFCC president Anil V. Thomas stated that last-minute title changes create a heavy financial burden for producers. He explained that fixing a title early is crucial for marketing movies starting from the pre-production stage, given that film projects involve multi-crore investments and complex coordination among actors, technicians, and distributors. Sony Thomas John, general secretary of the apex body, added that regional film chambers have handled publicity clearance and title registrations for decades following a 1990 Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directive, ensuring titles avoid offensive or obscene words. The KFCC has urged the CBFC to reconsider the title clause, though it confirmed it will follow the other guidelines in the advisory.

Context

The Central Board of Film Certification regulates the public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act. Title registration and screening processes are traditionally managed to maintain standards and prevent offensive content before a film reaches audiences.