‘Adults with caution’ tag for films depicting sex, violence or drugs, says Benegal panel
New Delhi : Nudity, explicit sex, detailed portrayal of violence acts or illegal use of psychotropic substance which harm public health or morals should get Adults with Caution film certification, the Shyam Benegal panel has suggested.
The panel has submitted its report to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The report, which has been made public by I&B ministry, also says that where the film genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality or safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted but it should be assigned ‘Adults with Caution’ category.
The panel had recommended six categories which included U (Universal), UA12+ (over 12 years), UAl5+ (over 15 years), A (Adult), AC (Adult with Caution) or S (for special niche audiences).
The committee was formed by the ministry to look holistically at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has been mired in controversies, including the recent one over the cuts in the movie ‘Udta Punjab’.
In its recommendation, the panel has said while it is “impossible to set out a comprehensive list of words, expressions or gestures that are acceptable at each category in every Indian language,” but has suggested that offensive or abusive dialogues should lead to higher classifications. One of the controversies that the CBFC has faced in recent times has been over a list of cuss words released by its Chairman Pahlaj Nihalani.
The panel has, however, said in case the CBFC feels that a film does not merit classification in any category in accordance with the guidelines it can refuse to accord it permission under any of the categories and record its reasons in writing.
“Films that as a whole portray and promote misuse of psychotropic substances would not be accepted for certification. Works that normalise or glamorise misuse of the same are likely to receive a higher classification than works that show such misuse while emphasising or bringing out the dangers and ramifications of such use of substances,” the Benegal panel report says.
It also suggests that films with content which is against the interests of the sovereignity and integrity of India, against the security of the State, against friendly relations with foreign States, against public order, against decency or morality, involves defamation should not be certified. Also those which are likely to incite the commission of any offence or where national symbols and emblems are shown in violation of the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act should not get certification. —PTI
