Filmmakers compelled to display title, cast, credits, subtitles in same language as film

The Union ministry of information & broadcasting has issued a notification seeking the amendment of Rule 22 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, to include a provision that demands that filmmakers display the cast, credits, title and subtitles in the same language as the film. The filmmakers have the freedom to display the same in another language of choice, but displaying in the same language as that of the film is mandatory.

Traditionally, the makers of Hindi as well as regional films, display the cast, credits and titles in English to appeal to a wider demographic. The Economic Times newspaper quoted Ravindra Bhaskar, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) CEO, confirmed the development in a press release dated 8 February. 

Director Hansal Mehta shared a notification of the press release as well. 

The notification implies that filmmakers may have to comply with the change in order to get their film certified.

The notification comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny on filmmakers as a result of the controversy surrounding the Amazon Prime Video series Tandav and Mirzapur, both of which have attracted several FIRs and PILs.

The Union ministry of information and broadcasting is also reportedly considering issuing changes in order to monitor content on digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.