Chandigarh Director Sets New Standard for Inclusive Filmmaking in India
Long before the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting made accessibility in films a regulatory requirement starting March 2024, Chandigarh-based filmmaker Ojaswwee Sharma had already broken new ground. His 2023 feature film Rabb Di Awaaz achieved a historic milestone by becoming India's first multi-inclusive feature film with comprehensive accessibility features.
Pioneering Certification Process
The national award-winning director secured censor certification for his film across three distinct formats: standard version, audio-described version for visually impaired audiences, and sign language interpretation for deaf viewers. "When we approached the Central Board of Film Certification in 2023, there was no established process for multiple certifications," Sharma explains. "The CBFC lacked experts in this specialized field, so we were called back in February 2024 to complete the certification process."
Remarkably, by the time the government officially announced its accessibility guidelines in March 2024, Sharma's film had already received all three censor certificates, positioning it as a trailblazer in Indian cinema's accessibility movement.
Moral Responsibility Drives Innovation
For Sharma, this achievement wasn't about setting records but fulfilling what he describes as a moral responsibility. "I see people as people, not as numbers or statistics," he emphasizes. "I travel 200 kilometers wherever my film is screened to personally meet my audiences. We cannot discriminate between who is able and who is not. While we chose to enable accessibility voluntarily, it has now become mandatory for other filmmakers."
The director identified a significant gap in the entertainment industry. "I recognized that deaf or blind individuals couldn't fully enjoy audiovisual content, and creators had largely ignored this substantial segment of the population," Sharma adds, highlighting the inspiration behind his inclusive approach.
National and International Recognition
Rabb Di Awaaz has enjoyed an impressive journey with over 275 free screenings across India and participation in international film festivals. The film has been shown at numerous educational institutions and has sparked important policy-level discussions about accessibility in media.
Sharma's expertise has been formally recognized by the CBFC, which invited him to guide other filmmakers on implementing accessibility features. The film has also received commendation from both the United Nations in India and UNESCO, marking its significance in global accessibility advocacy.
Beyond Accessibility: True Inclusion
Sharma makes a crucial distinction between accessibility and genuine inclusion. "The new government policy mandates accessibility but doesn't necessarily ensure inclusion in cinema," he notes. "Our film achieves both. The lead protagonist, Shiv, is actually blind in real life and portrays that experience authentically on screen."
The director references his National Film Award-winning work Admitted, which featured transgender individuals playing their own roles, as another example of his commitment to authentic representation rather than mere compliance.
Implementation Challenges Ahead
While celebrating the government's new policy as a starting point, Sharma acknowledges significant implementation challenges. "Distributors will face major obstacles since most theaters lack the necessary infrastructure," he predicts. "Cost considerations will present the biggest challenge. Secondly, marketing films to raise awareness within disabled communities that cinema is now accessible to them will be crucial for real impact."
The filmmaker also anticipates technological adaptations. "Artificial intelligence will likely play a role as producers scramble to demonstrate policy compliance," Sharma observes, suggesting both opportunities and potential shortcuts in the implementation process.
A Message of Universal Value
Sharma concludes with his fundamental philosophy: "We want to send a clear message to all viewers, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, that they are valued as audience members. Cinema should be an inclusive experience that celebrates diversity rather than excluding segments of our society."
As Indian cinema enters this new era of mandated accessibility, Ojaswwee Sharma's pioneering work with Rabb Di Awaaz serves as both inspiration and practical blueprint for filmmakers navigating these requirements while maintaining artistic integrity and social responsibility.
