Share of U-rated films highest in Malayalam, lowest in Bhojpuri, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certified nearly 18,000 films in India between 2017 and 2025.
• Malayalam film industry had the highest share of U-rated films, indicating it as the most "family-friendly" among major Indian language film industries.
• Bhojpuri film industry had the lowest share of U-rated releases, even lower than the English film industry in India.
• Over 720 hours of film content were modified by the CBFC between 2017 and 2025, with deletions accounting for 76% of the changes.

Detailed Insights:

• The CBFC Watch project analyzed films and music videos longer than 60 minutes, concluding that most Indian language films were rated U/A.
• Telugu and Kannada films had the highest share of A-rated content among Indian language films, while English films had the highest overall share of A-rated content.
• Odia film industry emerged as the most family-friendly when smaller industries are considered, with approximately 42% of films rated U and only 1.2% rated A.
• Modifications by the CBFC include deletions, insertions, and replacements of scenes, dialogues, or music, with visual scenes being the most frequently modified media element.
• Deletions of visual scenes were the most common form of censorship, accounting for 76% of all actions and 50% of the modified media elements.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification): A statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that regulates the public exhibition of films in India.
• U-rated films: Films certified as unrestricted for all ages, suitable for viewing by audiences of any age group.
• UA-rated films: Films certified as unrestricted but with parental guidance advised for children under 12 years.
• A-rated films: Films certified for adult audiences only, restricted to individuals 18 years and older.