Cinema VinesIn a landmark move, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been reconstituted for the first time since 2017, bringing in a fresh cohort of 18 members from across the creative industries. Among the new appointees is Supriya Yarlagadda, a producer‑actor and the current Executive Director of Annapurna Studios, who has been chosen by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to represent cinema on the board.
Yarlagadda expressed deep gratitude for the honour, saying she feels privileged to be selected by the Government of India as a voice for the film and creative sector. She added that she hopes to bring an industry perspective to the certification process, while also learning the intricacies of the board’s mechanics. “It’s an honour to be appointed by the Government of India as a representative of cinema on the CBFC. I hope to contribute the perspective of the film and creative Industry while gaining an understanding of the certification process and its mechanics,” she told the Hindustan Times.
Looking ahead, Yarlagadda emphasized her commitment to uphold the integrity of the art form in a rapidly changing media landscape. She said she would work closely with fellow members to develop a robust certification framework that balances artistic freedom with societal responsibilities. “I receive this opportunity with great respect and will work with other members towards a process that is robust while respecting the integrity of the art form in changing times,” she said.
The new board features a diverse mix of talent, including filmmaker Vinod Anupam, writer Manoj Joshi, musician Ricky Kej, actor Suniel Shetty, singer Hansraj Hans, poet Yatindra Mishra, and several celebrated actors such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, and Prosenjit Chatterjee. Yarlagadda’s appointment follows her recent production of debutant director Uday Chauhan’s film Pallaburusu and her familial ties to the industry as the niece of veteran actor Nagarjuna.
Members of the CBFC will serve a three‑year term or until further orders, whichever comes first. The board’s composition underscores a deliberate effort to incorporate varied viewpoints from cinema, television, music, writing, and theatre, aiming to create a more holistic and transparent certification process for Indian films.
