Cinema VinesThe Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has officially reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as of September 16, 2026. The new board, which will operate for a three‑year term or until a later directive, is set to take effect immediately, according to a government notification issued from New Delhi. The re‑establishment falls under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The revamped CBFC now comprises 18 members drawn from a range of cultural fields, including cinema, music, literature and the arts. The lineup features well‑known film personalities such as actors Suniel Shetty and Pankaj Tripathi, actress Preity Zinta, and filmmaker Priyadarshan. Musicians and singers are represented by Grammy‑winning composer Ricky Kej and vocalist Hansraj Hans, while directors Nila Madhab Panda and Rupali Ganguly also sit on the panel. Other members include Vinod Anupam, Manoj Joshi, Abhishek Jain, Supriya Yarlagadda, Yatindra Mishra, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi, Nishigandha Wad, Waman Kendre and Ramesh Patange.
The inclusion of high‑profile entertainment figures is a notable shift, as the CBFC traditionally relied more heavily on bureaucrats and academics. The new board will review films submitted for public exhibition and issue certifications in line with the existing legal framework, ensuring that content meets the standards set by the Cinematograph Act and the 2024 Certification Rules.
According to sources at Bollywood Hungama, the 18‑member panel will also serve as the CBFC’s Revising Committee, tasked with reviewing and updating certification guidelines as needed. The move is seen as an effort to bring fresh perspectives to film regulation and to reflect the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
With the reconstituted board now in place, filmmakers and distributors can anticipate a potentially more streamlined certification process, while audiences may see a broader range of content approved for theatrical release. The CBFC’s new composition signals a continued commitment to balancing creative expression with regulatory oversight under the guidance of the Indian government.
