What is CBFC in India and how does it classify the movies?

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a governmental regulatory body overseeing the Indian filmmaking industry. Commonly known as the Censor Board, it was established under the Cinematograph Act of 1952. Its primary role is to assess and classify feature films, short films, trailers, documentaries, and theatre-based advertisements for public viewing through screening and rating processes. Films are certified under four categories: ‘unrestricted public exhibition (U)’, ‘parental guidance for children below age 12 (U/A)’, ‘adult (A)’, or ‘viewing by specialized groups (S)’. Regional Officers determine the certification category based on reports from Examining Committee members, either through unanimous agreement or majority opinion. In case of a split decision, the chairperson holds authority to decide the film’s classification.