Movie Certifications in India - What is U / UA / A / S / PG

Movie Censorship

Have you ever noticed U / UA / A etc whenever you go watch a movie... I believe you must have because this is mandatory for every movie (whether short, long) to get a certificate from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before its public exhibition.

CBFC works under Information and Broadcasting Ministry (GOI) as per the provisions of Cinematograph Act 1952 and Cinematograph certification rules 1983 and it certifies the contents for all movies, music videos, documentaries (moving images) before they are displayed to public. 

CBFC has categorized the movies mainly into four categories based on their contents - 

1. U - Universal: Unrestricted Public Exhibition. These films are suitable for all age groups including children. These films should not upset children over four.
2. UA - Under Parental Guidance: Films under this category are also unrestricted for public exhibition but parental discretion is required for children below 12 years because certain scenes may be unsuitable for them.
3. A - Adults Only: Restricted to Adults. Nobody under 18 is allowed to watch movies under A certification.
4. S - Special Class: These movies are restricted to any special class of persons like army, doctors etc
5. PG - Parental Guidance (Strongly Advised): Currently this certification is not a part of standard certification process by CBFC but Bitto Boss (2012) is the first movie in India to get PG recommendation from CBFC. PG certification is followed in Britain by British Board of Film Certification (BBFC).

So next time whenever you watch a movie, check for its certification (for your knowledge).

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