Dil Raju Speaks Out on Challenges From New CBFC Advisory

Film producer and distributor Dil Raju has expressed concerns over the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) latest advisory for filmmakers, stating that the new guidelines have made releasing films more complicated. He also revealed that the Telugu film industry is preparing to submit a representation against the advisory, following objections raised by Malayalam film bodies.

Dil Raju, chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC), addressed the matter during a press conference in Hyderabad. He acknowledged that the changes created difficulties for filmmakers and distributors, noting that representations are going out from every state.

Explaining the challenges, Raju said filmmakers must now keep their films ready a month before release. Previously announced dates cannot be used beforehand; instead, films must be submitted a month in advance, and release dates can only be announced once cleared.

The CBFC introduced new guidelines in September and an advisory in October, alongside 18 new members appointed this year, including Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Pallavi Joshi, Ricky Kej, and Supriya Yarlagadda. The revised advisory requires filmmakers to submit final versions including titles, graphics, and sound for certification, and states that previously announced titles and release dates are not final.

The guidelines have drawn criticism from industry members, including director Honey Trehan, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, and the Film Producers Association. Anil Thomas, president of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, criticized the board having the final say on film titles as an unnecessary expansion of its powers.

Additionally, Dil Raju confirmed that the Akshay Kumar-starrer Mauja Hi Mauja will be released in cinemas in February 2027.