Film producer and distributor Dil Raju has expressed concerns over the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) latest advisory for filmmakers, stating that the new guidelines have made the process of releasing films more complicated. He also revealed that the Telugu film industry is preparing to submit a representation against the advisory, following objections raised by film bodies in the Malayalam industry.
Dil Raju, who is the chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC), addressed the matter during a press conference held in Hyderabad on Friday evening. The event was organised to celebrate the success of Ramayana and Scene, both of which he distributed in the Telugu-speaking states. During the interaction, a reporter asked him about the new CBFC advisory and the concerns raised by Malayalam film organisations.
Responding to the question, Raju acknowledged that the changes had created difficulties for filmmakers and distributors. “Yes, it’s happening. After the new rules were announced, releasing a film became quite problematic. Our chamber is also preparing a letter to be sent; representations are going out from every state,” he said, indicating that film industries across the country were preparing to raise their objections.
Explaining the specific challenges posed by the revised guidelines, Raju said filmmakers would now have to complete their films well in advance of their planned release dates. “It would be better if these things were smoothed out. Now, we have to keep the film ready a month before its release. As we did before, we cannot announce dates beforehand. We have to submit the film a month beforehand, and once they clear it by that date, we can announce it.”
Raju, who previously served as the president of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), a position currently held by Suresh Babu Daggubati, highlighted how the new process could affect release planning and announcements.
What are the new CBFC guidelines?
The CBFC introduced new guidelines for filmmakers in September, followed by a detailed advisory in October. The board also announced 18 new members this year, marking the first such appointment since 2017. The members include Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Pallavi Joshi, Ricky Kej and Supriya Yarlagadda.
According to the revised advisory, filmmakers must submit the final version of their films, including titles, graphics and sound, for certification. It also clarifies that previously announced film titles and release dates will not be considered final and may be subject to changes.
The advisory has drawn criticism from several members of the film industry. Satluj director Honey Trehan criticised the guidelines, stating that they ‘underlined the Cowardness & the Dictatorship’. Meanwhile, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the Film Producers Association have also objected to the changes, describing them as an unnecessary expansion of the CBFC's powers.
Anil Thomas, president of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), told OnManorama, “There is already considerable intervention from the Censor Board. We cannot allow a situation where it gets ultimate control over film titles as well.”
He further described the CBFC having the final say on film titles as an ‘unnecessary expansion of its powers’. With the Telugu film chamber now preparing its representation, the concerns surrounding the revised certification process appear to be extending across multiple regional film industries.
Also Read : Dil Raju CONFIRMS that Akshay Kumar-starrer Mauja Hi Mauja will be released in cinemas in February 2027
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