Bhooth Bangla gets UA 16+ rating, runtime reduced to 164 minutes after revisions The makers of Bhooth Bangla have finalised the film’s runtime at 164 minutes and 52 seconds after fresh voluntary edits were accepted by the Central Board of Film Certification on April 11. The horror comedy has been certified UA 16+ ahead of its theatrical rollout in India. Earlier, the censor certificate issued on April 2 listed the film’s duration as 174 minutes and 57 seconds. Following additional revisions by the team, the runtime was reduced by 10 minutes and 5 seconds. The updated duration now stands at 2 hours, 44 minutes and 52 seconds. As part of the latest changes, the makers trimmed as many as 63 scenes. While several cuts involved only a few seconds, the longest removal lasted 72 seconds from a sequence in the song ‘O Sundari. ’ Another 27 seconds were removed from the song ‘O Re O Sawariya. ’During the initial certification process, the Examining Committee had also suggested a few modifications. An obscene word at the 26th minute was replaced, while another set of objectionable words around the one hour mark was asked to be changed. Towards the end of the film, an obscene word appearing in the subtitle was removed. A denigrating reference to women in the first half was replaced, and the makers were instructed to include disclaimers relating to religious and superstitious references in the narrative. After these changes were implemented, the film received its censor certificat... #Bhooth_Bangla #film #Bangla #minutes #Central #Board #Bhooth #Central_Board #fresh_voluntary #voluntary_edits

Deepak Tijori criticises CBFC over inconsistent censorship in Dhurandhar 2 Actor-director Deepak Tijori has raised concerns over censorship practices in the theatrical release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, questioning what he describes as inconsistencies in how abusive language is handled across platforms. In a recent statement, Tijori criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for “half-muting” cuss words in the film’s theatrical version. He said he was unable to understand the rationale behind partially censoring expletives instead of either muting them completely or leaving them intact. “I genuinely don’t understand this, why mute half the abuses and let the other half stay?” he remarked, adding that the approach appears arbitrary. The filmmaker also pointed out that the film has already been granted an adults-only certification, questioning the purpose of such partial censorship. “Who exactly are we protecting here? And from what, half a word?” he said, highlighting what he views as a lack of clarity in the guidelines. Tijori further flagged what he termed a “double standard” in censorship between theatrical and digital releases. He noted that while the cinema version features muted language, the same film is later released on OTT platforms without such alterations. “The same film releases on OTT completely unmuted, exactly as it was meant to be,” he said, suggesting that this undermines the logic of theatrical cuts. According to him, this discrepancy ... #Dhurandhar #Deepak #Central_Board #CBFC #raised_concerns #Actor-director_Deepak #Deepak_Tijori #criticises_CBFC #Tijori_criticises #Tijori

Akshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla secures UA 16 certificate; Priyadarshan film set to deliver a family-friendly summer treat Balaji Motion Pictures’ upcoming entertainer Bhooth Bangla has officially received a UA 16 certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, clearing the path for its theatrical release as a family-friendly summer offering. The certification suggests that while the film incorporates mild spooky elements and thematic undertones, it remains largely suitable for a wide audience, particularly with parental guidance for younger viewers. Positioned as a wholesome blend of comedy, fantasy, and light horror, Bhooth Bangla aims to strike a balance between thrills and humour. The UA 16 rating aligns with the film’s tonality, which leans more towards quirky storytelling and situational comedy rather than intense or frightening sequences. This makes it an accessible choice for families looking for an entertaining cinematic outing during the summer season. The film also marks the much-anticipated reunion of Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan after a gap of 14 years. The actor-director duo is known for delivering some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable comedies, and their collaboration has consistently resonated with audiences across generations. With Bhooth Bangla, expectations are high for the pair to recreate their signature comic timing and engaging narrative style. Backed by Ektaa Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures, the film con... #Bhooth_Bangla #starrer_Bhooth #Central_Board #Pictures’_upcoming #family-friendly_summer #Motion_Pictures’ #Bangla_secures #entertainer_Bhooth #upcoming_entertainer #officially_received

CBFC makes subtitles mandatory for all Indian films from March 15 In a move aimed at making the movie-going experience more inclusive, the Central Board of Film Certification has made subtitles mandatory for films across languages. The CBFC’s directive will come into effect from March 15, 2026. Henceforth, all Indian films will be required to include subtitles, along with audio descriptions wherever applicable. The move is intended to improve accessibility for audiences who are hearing or visually impaired, allowing them to experience films more fully regardless of language or physical limitations. However, not all netizens are happy with the CBFC’s decision to make subtitles mandatory. Many have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, arguing that subtitles can be distracting and interfere with the immersive movie-viewing experience. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks for 15 cuts and modifications in The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond; reduces kiss and rape visuals by 50%... #Indian #March #Central #Board #Central_Board #Film_Certification #Indian_films #CBFC #subtitles_mandatory #Certification

Kerala High Court stays release of The Kerala Story 2, directs CBFC to re-examine the film In what can be regarded as a major setback to the makers of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted an interim stay against the release of the film, arguing that the UA certification by the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) is questionable. The stay comes a couple of days after the court asked the producers to not release the film until the court delivers its verdict. This court order is also a big blow to the CBFC as the ostensible final authority for the suitability/non suitability of a film to be shown to the public. The court in its order also said that the guidelines for ensuring a film does not disrupt the society’s equilibrium appear not to have been adhered to by the CBFC. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas told the CBFC to re-examine the objections raised in the petitions within two weeks. Until the board gives a fresh decision, the film cannot be released. The court said it usually avoids interfering with a movie’s release, but stepped in because the concerns seemed real and needed careful review. The film was scheduled to be released on February 27. With the film, the only major release this week, being postponed the theatre exhibitors are in a panic. This writer spoke to Kumar Abhishek, Manager Connplex in Patna at 2. 55 pm on Thursday. “Sir, abhi tak humein koi information nahin aaya hai (we have no information about the postponeme... #Kerala #High_Court #Court #film #High #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Story #Film_Certification

Kerala HC questions CBFC over certification of The Kerala Story 2; court to watch film before verdict The Kerala High Court on Tuesday raised serious questions over the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to the contentious film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. The Court said it would watch the film before deciding on three petitions seeking a stay on its release and cancellation of its certification. Hearing the matter, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the CBFC has a crucial responsibility, particularly when a film portrays a secular State like Kerala through what petitioners describe as a communal lens. “Kerala is so secular. It lives with total harmony but have you considered this when something is portrayed as happening all over the state? There is a wrong indication and can even incite passion and that is when the censor board (CBFC) comes in picture,” the judge remarked. The Court noted that since the film claims to be inspired by true events, the apprehensions raised by petitioners cannot be dismissed outright. “The film is projected as being inspired by true events and that, prima facie shows that the concerns raised by the petitioners appear to have some justification,” Justice Thomas said. He further pointed out that including the name ‘Kerala’ in the title heightens public concern. “Apprehensions of people in Kerala cannot be ignored because you have given the name Kerala… you say it is inspired by true events and n... #Kerala #High_Court #film #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Story #questions_CBFC #Tuesday_raised #certification_granted

Kerala HC seeks CBFC, producers’ response on plea to stay The Kerala Story 2 release The Kerala High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the producers of The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond on a petition seeking cancellation of the film’s certification and a stay on its release. The plea, filed by Kannur resident Sreedev Namboodiri, alleges that the upcoming sequel portrays Kerala in an unfair light and has the potential to incite communal and regional disharmony. The matter was heard by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who directed the CBFC and the film’s producer, Sunshine Pictures, to file their responses. The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 24. The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond is the sequel to the controversial Hindi film The Kerala Story, which depicted a group of women from Kerala who were allegedly recruited into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In his petition, Namboodiri has challenged the certification granted to the sequel, arguing that the CBFC failed to properly evaluate the film’s impact on public order, decency and morality as mandated under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The plea raises concerns over the teaser and trailer of the film. It points to the closing line in the teaser — “ab sahenge nahin… ladenge” (we will not tolerate it anymore, but will fight) — claiming that it amounts to a call for action that could trigger violence. The petition also alleges that certain di... #Kerala #High_Court #Kerala_Story #Central_Board #Kerala_High #Thursday_issued #seeks_CBFC #issued_notice #seeking_cancellation #Story
