Actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty and Pankaj Tripathi are among 18 members appointed to the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a three-year term.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the new panel under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The appointments take effect immediately.

The revamped board brings together representatives from the film industry and other creative fields, with the new composition coming at a time when film certification continues to be a closely watched aspect of the Indian entertainment industry.

Manoj Joshi, Priyadarshan, Ricky Kej among members

The new 18-member panel includes actors Manoj Joshi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi and Rupali Ganguly, along with filmmaker Priyadarshan and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej.

The other members appointed to the board are Vinod Anupam, Abhishek Jain, Hansraj Hans, Supriya Yarlagadda, Yatindra Mishra, Neela Madhab Panda, Nishigandha Wad, Waman Kendre and Ramesh Patange.

The reconstitution had been pending after terms of several members of the previous board expired. The earlier panel, last reconstituted in 2017, had 12 members.

The change in membership does not alter the statutory responsibilities of the CBFC or the existing legal framework governing film certification.

Certification debates remain in focus

The new board takes charge amid continued debate around film certification, cuts and delays in granting clearances to movies.

One recent case that attracted attention was Satluj, the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer previously titled Punjab 95. The film was submitted to the CBFC in 2022 and reportedly faced demands for as many as 127 changes during the certification process.

The uncut version subsequently appeared briefly on ZEE5 in July under its revised title but was removed from the platform for Indian viewers within 48 hours.

Welcome To The Jungle received UA 16+ certificate

Other recent films have also undergone changes during the certification process.

Akshay Kumar's Welcome To The Jungle received a UA 16+ certificate after 18 changes were made, according to reports. The requested modifications included edits to certain visual and dialogue references.

Meanwhile, the certification process surrounding Jana Nayagan has also been accompanied by delays and legal proceedings.

Salman Khan's Maatrubhumi yet to reach CBFC

Salman Khan's upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace has also remained outside the formal certification process, as the film has not yet been submitted to the CBFC.

The project, earlier announced as Battle Of Galwan, is based on the 2020 India-China military clash in eastern Ladakh.

Reports have suggested that concerns were raised over elements of the film's portrayal of China amid changes in India-China diplomatic relations. Earlier reports also said references to China could be removed as part of efforts to secure clearance.

Shashi Shekhar Vempati continues as CBFC chief

While the board's membership has been refreshed, Shashi Shekhar Vempati will continue as the CBFC Chairperson.

Vempati was appointed to head the certification body in May 2026.

The newly constituted panel will serve for three years, with its members now tasked with carrying out the CBFC's statutory functions under the existing certification framework.