CBFC introduces new film certification categories for public viewing

chennai: the central board of film certification (cbfc) has updated its film certification system to align with societal changes, effective october 24, 2024. the new system introduces five categories: "u," "ua 7+," "ua 13+," "ua 16+," and "a.""u" (unrestricted): suitable for all age groups."ua 7+," "ua 13+," "ua 16+": unrestricted but with caution for children below the specified age (7, 13, or 16). parents or guardians must decide if the content is suitable for their child, based on the assigned “ua marker.”"a" (adults): restricted to individuals aged 18 and above.the updated "ua" categories address content elements like violence, intimacy, horror, or mature themes. based on intensity, films are classified as "ua 7+," "ua 13+," or "ua 16+." parents are urged to exercise discretion by reviewing movie details and considering their child's temperament before permitting them to watch.these revisions aim to ensure films are appropriately certified for modern audiences while empowering parents to make informed decisions.to access certification details of any film, parents can visit the cbfc website (cbfcindia.gov.in) and use the search feature.this move by the cbfc seeks to enhance transparency in film classification and promote age-appropriate viewing experiences for children.