Alcohol warnings in Hindi, more foreign films

In recent weeks, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has started requiring a growing number of Hindi and foreign films to display an anti-liquor watermark on films that feature alcohol consumption. hinduism We found out based on a review of recent film cut lists issued by the censor board. for example, all of us strangersis a British film rated ‘A’ for adults, in which alcohol abuse is featured extensively, with an on-screen warning appearing for a significant amount of the film.

next goal victoryA Hollywood movie directed by Taika Watiti released in India last month had watermarks applied to drinking scenes. DaakuThe requirement was also applied to the Hindi film directed by Anesh Bhardwale in February.horror film Until late at night with the devil The disclaimer also applied this month.

Indian movie theaters typically enforce tobacco warnings on all films that depict nicotine consumption. This requirement was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertising and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Regulations, 2012, and was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertising and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Regulations, 2012, and was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertising and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Regulations, 2012. is required. .

Separately, some states have passed laws requiring locally produced films to display anti-alcohol warnings. For example, Kerala’s Abkari Act provides a jail term for films without this warning, but this was decriminalized by an amendment passed by the state assembly last year, with a fine of Rs 50,000. However, this amendment has not yet been enacted. with the consent of the governor. In Tamil movies, anti-alcohol disclaimers appear even in drinking scenes. Generally, brand labels on liquor bottles are blurred in all languages ​​by the CBFC unless they are fictitious brands.

legal authority

The legal power to sanction films rests with the federal government under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, and this power is assigned to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the assignment of business rules. However, the CBFC, an autonomous body under the Ministry of I&B, has generally respected and enforced state laws and Ministry of Health regulations regarding warnings during smoking and drinking scenes in movies.

The expansion of alcohol warnings to foreign and Hindi films is a relatively recent development. This requirement has been applied from time to time, including in the 2014 film. Happy new year In order for the film to receive a ‘U’ rating, the CBFC was required to include such a warning, but then-CBFC Chairman Leela Samson issued a warning that year (with a more mature ‘U/A’ rating). (in contrast) said it had a ‘U’ rating. and “A” rating), which is why the watermark was applied to this film.

The I&B Ministry issued a notification in 1991, stating that CBFCs, in principle, ensure that “scenes that have the effect of justifying or glorifying drinking are not shown”.