Overview
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notification on September 16, 2026 reconstituting the Central Board of Film Certification with immediate effect for up to three years and placing Shashi Shekhar Vempati as chairperson.
- The 18-member panel includes high-profile industry figures such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Priyadarshan and Ricky Kej.
- Two members from the previous board, theatre director Waman Kendre and writer Ramesh Patange, were retained while the board’s strength was expanded from the prior 10 to 18 members.
- Reporters and outlets note that several appointees have public links to the BJP or Sangh organisations, a detail that observers say may shape perceptions of the board’s independence.
- The reconstitution follows years of contested certification decisions and delays; the CBFC has already acted on a recent concern with Excel Entertainment agreeing to replace the song 'Shoorveer' from Mirzapur - The Movie pending formalities and the 2024 certification rules require the board to meet regularly.