New Cinematograph Bill To Prevent Piracy & Add Film Certifications
The cabinet approved a new Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2021, and there will be adjustments to the categories for film censor certification as well as the prevention of film piracy. The new bill states that more categories for film certification will be implemented. The new certification categories include 'U' or universal, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, and U/A 16+ in addition to a 'A' classification for content only appropriate for adults. Currently, there are three types of film certification: "A" for adult films and "U/A" for films that require parental supervision for audiences under the age of 12.
In accordance with the age-based limits for OTT content providers, the revisions also permit sub-categorization for film certification reasons. The Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2021 targets film piracy as well. It proposes jail time of three months to three years and a fine of at least Rs. 3,00,000, which may go as high as 5% of the film's audited gross production cost.
Wide-ranging stakeholder consultations on the Bill, according to Mr. Thakur, were held. "This Bill will live up to the industry's expectations... Without any disagreement, this Bill would satisfy everyone, the minister declared. He claimed that numerous stakeholders had called for action to stop piracy, age-based film categorization, and some unnecessary aspects in the current Act. Mr. Thakur declined to provide any additional information on the Bill and stated that the provisions would be made known once the draught law was submitted to Parliament.