Censor Board Trends 2025 – Why More Films Are Going U/A Instead of A

by Divya Chamala · October 13, 2025

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Censor Board Trends In 2025, more South Indian films are securing a U/A certificate rather than A. Explore evolving CBFC patterns, demand for broader audiences, cuts & guidelines, and how filmmakers are adapting.

In recent years, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India has shown a noticeable shift — several high-profile films are now getting U/A (parental guidance) certificates instead of A (adults only), even when they contain violence, mature themes, or strong content.

This trend is particularly visible in South Indian cinema, where filmmakers are keen to balance creative freedom with wider audience access. Let’s explore why this is happening in 2025, how CBFC is influencing content, and what it means for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Table of Contents

2. What Do U/A vs A Certificates Mean?

U/A (Unrestricted with parental guidance): Content may include mild language, violence, suggestive themes, but considered acceptable for children with supervision.
A (Adults Only): Reserved for content that is more explicit — strong violence, sexual content, profanity, themes unsuitable for minors.

Because U/A allows a broader potential audience (including families and teenagers), securing U/A is commercially advantageous compared to A.

3. Evidence & Recent Examples (2025)

Here are concrete instances in 2025 that illustrate this shift:

Telusu Kada got a U/A certificate despite being a contemporary romantic drama.
They Call Him OG, although an action film with violence, also secured U/A from the CBFC.
Mirai, a Telugu superhero project, was certified U/A.
Mithra Mandali — completed censor formalities with U/A.
Kuberaa, starring Dhanush, Nagarjuna, etc., had 19 scenes trimmed to meet U/A conditions.

These cases show how CBFC is negotiating with filmmakers — rather than outright giving A, they impose cuts / modifications so that the content can be reclassified as U/A.

4. Key Drivers Behind the Shift

1 Commercial / Audience Reach Considerations

U/A certification allows teen & family ticket sales; A restricts younger viewers, which reduces box office potential.
Producers prefer fewer restrictions so the film can reach a wider audience and maximize revenue.

2 CBFC’s Evolving Stance & Moderation

Instead of rejecting or mandating an outright A, CBFC seems more willing to work with filmmakers via cuts, edits, muting to push content into U/A.
Scenes involving violence, blood, profanity, or intimate visuals are selectively trimmed or toned down so that the film meets U/A standards.

3 Self-Censorship & Preemptive Edits

Filmmakers are increasingly anticipating CBFC requirements and editing their films before submission to avoid an A.
Scripts & scenes may be adjusted (less gore, milder language, less explicit intimacy) in the planning stage.

4 Changing Audience Sensibilities & Pressures

There’s more sensitivity now around what “adult content” implies, especially given regional politics, social media reactions, and cultural norms.
Films with even mild sexual content or profanity may attract controversy, so creators aim for safer U/A zones.

5 Transparency & Data Access Issues

In 2025, CBFC’s e-Cinepramaan portal has restricted public access to certification and cut data, reducing transparency.
With less public scrutiny, CBFC has more discretion in pushing films toward U/A by demanding edits.

5. Effects & Implications

✅ For Filmmakers

Greater flexibility: easier to get a milder rating rather than being rejected outright.
Constraints: creative vision may be compromised via required cuts / overlays.
Strategic editing becomes integral to the production process.

✅ For Audiences

Broader access to content that might have been restricted earlier.
Possible dilution of “edgy” content — mature themes get softened.
Less predictability — U/A certified films might still contain strong scenes depending on how well the cuts were made.

⚠️ Risks & Criticisms

Over-sanitization: films may avoid bold content to remain within U/A, leading to “safe” storytelling.
Inconsistency: criteria for cuts / acceptance may appear opaque or arbitrary.
Creative stifling: directors may feel constrained by certification pressures.

6. Predictions & Future Trends

More films will initially aim for U/A and editors will preemptively tone down strong scenes.
CBFC guidelines may be refined with more clarity on what boundaries trigger “A.”
More negotiations / revisions rather than rejections — CBFC and filmmakers may work in a more iterative process.
Digital / OTT certification norms might further influence theatrical standards (since streaming platforms also enforce content rating).
Some films may still receive A — especially those intentionally marketed as mature or niche content.

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Author Name: Movishala
Movishala Film Desk delivers verified insights into Telugu and South Indian cinema — from censorship trends to OTT strategies, box office analysis, and filmmaker perspectives. Backed by research and authenticity, the team ensures EEAT-compliant film journalism.

Censor Board Trends 2025 – Why More Films Are Going U/A Instead of A

2. What Do U/A vs A Certificates Mean?

3. Evidence & Recent Examples (2025)

4. Key Drivers Behind the Shift