CBFC 2026 Overhaul: New Members and the Shift from Censorship to Certification

On September 16, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), appointing 18 new members for a three-year tenure. This move is significant as the board had not been updated since August 1, 2017, despite Cinematograph Rules that suggest a reconstitution every three years [2].

Who are the new CBFC members?

The current board is a blend of cinematic veterans, regional artists, and figures with political ties. The diverse list includes high-profile actors and creators tasked with evaluating content for the Indian public.

Category	Appointees
Actors & Performers	Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Joshi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Roopali Ganguly, Nishigandha Wad
Directors & Producers	Priyadarshan, Pallavi Joshi, Neela Madhab Panda, Abhishek Jain, Supriya Yarlagadda
Music & Arts	Ricky Kej, Hans Raj Hans, Yatindra Mishra, Waman Kendre
Critics & Activists	Vinod Anupam, Ramesh Patange

Certification vs. Censorship: A Philosophical Shift

The 2026 appointments have reignited the debate over whether the CBFC should act as a restrictive "censor" or a guiding "certification" body. This distinction is crucial: censorship involves removing content to prevent its viewing, while certification categorizes content to help audiences make informed choices.

New member Suniel Shetty has advocated for a collaborative approach. He suggests that the board's role is to find a middle ground where creators have the liberty to share their visions while remaining mindful of the impact on the public [1]. Shetty emphasizes that transparency and consistent dialogue are essential for the board to function as a facilitator rather than a hurdle.

Political Diversity and External Influences

The composition of the board has drawn scrutiny due to the political affiliations of some members. For instance, the list includes Roopali Ganguly, who joined the BJP in 2024, and Hans Raj Hans, a former BJP MP [2]. The inclusion of Pallavi Joshi, a producer of the controversial The Kashmir Files, also highlights the board's varied ideological spectrum.

Beyond theatrical films, there is growing pressure to regulate digital streaming. While the CBFC handles cinema, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has reportedly created an informal group to address what it calls "cultural pollution" on OTT platforms [2]. This indicates a broader trend of seeking tighter regulation for digital content, separate from the official CBFC mandate.