Mumbai: In a groundbreaking move, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has taken a significant step to ease the process for regional films dubbed in Hindi. Last week, CBFC CEO Ravinder Bhakar announced that regional films dubbed in Hindi could now be certified by the regional office where the original language film had received its Censor Certificate. This announcement marked a reversal of the 2017 directive that mandated all regional language films dubbed in Hindi to be certified by the Mumbai head office before their release.
The new procedure will be implemented on a pilot basis for six months, extending until April 20, 2024. During this period, the CBFC will closely monitor various aspects, including language expertise and the impact on the workload at regional offices, before making a final decision.
CBFC operates regional offices across India, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and Cuttack in Odisha.
This decision has been met with enthusiasm from various film bodies, including the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA). IMPPA President Abhay Sinha and other prominent film organizations from both Bollywood and regional cinema have applauded the move.
One of the key advantages of this decision is the relief it provides to regional film producers. Abhay Sinha emphasized the importance of streamlining the certification process and how this decision would alleviate the burden on regional film producers, help them avoid delays, and save on fees associated with certifying the Hindi versions of their films in Mumbai.
Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President B. N. Tiwari also praised the CBFC’s decision, stating that it is “most laudable” and will prove to be a boon for regional language filmmakers who dub their films in Hindi. The move will help them save on costs, reduce delays, and eliminate various hassles associated with the previous certification process.
The simplified certification process means that producers of Telugu or Tamil films who wish to release the dubbed Hindi version can now obtain a Censor Certificate from the regional office that certified the original film. This eliminates the need for multiple trips to Mumbai and expedites the process.
This change comes at a time when the trend of dubbing films made in regional languages has grown significantly, particularly with films from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, and Bengali. Dubbing a full-length film can be a cost-effective way to tap into the national market, increasing a film’s reach and revenue potential.
The roots of dubbing in Bollywood trace back to “Alam Ara” (1931), and the trend gained popularity as films were dubbed into multiple Indian languages to reach wider audiences. The Bengali film industry played a crucial role in promoting dubbed versions of Indian films, especially those created by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, which aimed to compete on the international stage.
This trend has also expanded the reach of Marathi films, which, despite being classics, often face limitations in terms of audience reach. Dubbing has allowed these films to reach a larger and more diverse audience, both in theaters and through digital platforms.
In addition to dubbing, the use of subtitles has become a common practice in the film industry. Subtitling, which is less time-consuming and cost-effective, allows films to cater to hearing-challenged audiences and reach a broader spectrum of viewers.
Foreign language films, including those from Hollywood, have also gained a substantial following through dubbed versions or subtitles. This trend has extended to various platforms, including cinemas, television, OTT platforms, and social media.
With the emergence of artificial intelligence, the processes of dubbing and subtitling are expected to become even more efficient and effective in the future. These practices are likely to become the norm rather than the exception, further expanding the global appeal of films across languages and cultures.