CBFC Certifies 71,963 Films in Five Years, 10 Challenged in 2025
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has certified a total of 71,963 films over the past five years, according to recent data. In a notable development, the certification of 10 films was challenged in 2025, marking a significant increase from previous years. This includes high-profile titles such as Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' and Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life', which have drawn public and legal scrutiny.
Surge in Certification Challenges
The number of challenged certifications has more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, where only four films faced such disputes. The trend over recent years shows a fluctuating pattern:
- 2024: 4 films challenged
- 2023: 1 film challenged
- 2022: 4 films challenged
- 2021: 2 films challenged
High-Profile Cases Under Scrutiny
The challenges involve legal proceedings, with some cases reaching the High Court for resolution. Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, and Thug Life, featuring Kamal Haasan, are among the films whose CBFC certificates have been contested, raising questions about censorship and artistic freedom in the Indian film industry. These developments underscore the ongoing debate between regulatory compliance and creative expression.
As the CBFC continues its certification process, stakeholders are calling for clearer guidelines to prevent such disputes in the future. The data reflects the board's active role in film regulation, with over 71,000 certifications issued, demonstrating its significant impact on the entertainment sector.
