The CBFC demanded cuts to Aamir Khan's film 'Sitaare Zameen Par', prompting criticism from the film's producers who argue that such edits compromise the artistic integrity of a culturally significant work. This move is being interpreted as heavy-handed censorship that interferes with free expression.

The Central Board of Film Certification mandated 17 changes to the Malayalam film 'Empuraan' following political backlash over its portrayal of the 2002 Gujarat riots. The decision, taken after reports of pressure from BJP and RSS affiliates and central government intervention, has raised concerns over censorship and the suppression of artistic expression.

An analysis of the CBFC's recent practices reveals that the board is acting as an ideological gatekeeper by selectively approving, censoring, or delaying films. These actions support a majoritarian narrative while sidelining voices that challenge the dominant political discourse, raising concerns about the suppression of dissent and the manipulation of cultural narratives.

The CBFC, as highlighted in a recent article, utilizes its authority under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to cut or ban films on grounds such as obscenity and threats to public order. This censorship has been criticized for stifling artistic freedom and contributing to a climate of self-censorship among filmmakers and artists.

The article criticizes the Central Board of Film Certification for enforcing film censorship through subjective and arguably arbitrary measures. It discusses how the board's practices, including the refusal to certify films on grounds of sovereignty and security without a robust appeal mechanism, contribute to an authoritarian regulatory environment. The piece advocates for replacing the CBFC with a self‐regulatory organization (SRO) to enable fairer, less government-influenced film certification.