Shyam Benegal committee report suggests only one disclaimer for smoking in the beginning of film

The Shyam Benegal committee, which was working on the revamp of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has suggested showing a "meaningful static disclaimer" against tobacco use and smoking in the beginning of a film, as against the current practice of showing a disclaimer for each smoking scene in a movie.

This, the committee feels, would help dissuade tobacco users without affecting the "smooth viewing" of a film. However, the report also states that "periodicity" of smoking scenes should be avoided and the legislation in this regard should be kept in mind.

The suggestion is among a set of five recommendations that was recently submitted to the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry by the eight-member Benegal committee, as the second part of the report.

The committee, in its report, has stated that the disclaimer against tobacco use and smoking should be shown for a minimum period and should come with a standard visual background approved by the ministry of health as well as an audio.

"The report also says it should be made in all Indian languages and made applicable to all media platforms," a senior official said.

The committee has also recommended that the film industry should produce small films on anti-tobacco, smoking with popular actors on their own for screening in cinema halls and on TV channels after obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Health, replacing those films which are currently being shown.

It also suggested that the producer of a film can make a short film with a strong anti smoking message that will feature the same actor who is depicted as smoking in the film.

Among other recommendations, about filmmakers procuring a no-objection certificate from the Animal Welfare Board, the Benegal committee has recommended that there should be "Licensed Suppliers" of 'Performing Animals' who are qualified in handling various animals and taking care of them as per law.

"A directory of "certified personnel" of the Board including veterinary personnel on the list of AWBI in different parts of the country may be published, who would be present at the time of shooting the performing animal scenes. Based on their reports, the Board could issue NOC," the report stated. It also stated that the fee for the services of such empanelled experts will be paid by producers directly to the Board.

The committee has recommended that it should be kept in mind whether a shot involving animal is a genuine natural shot or staged for filming which would involve the hiring, transportation of the animals.

"In such situations, a self-declaration by the producers to this effect should be submitted at the time of application to Central Board of Film Certification, in lieu of an NOC from the AWBI," the report has recommended.

According to sources, officials of AWBI had said that there is a transparent mechanism for according NOC within two weeks if the application was complete in all respects.

The ABWI also said that the Performing Animal (Registration) Rules, 2001 would be required to be changed to allow Licensed Suppliers of Performing Animals.

The first part of the Benegal committee report, which had recommended taking away the censorship powers of the CBFC thus making it a film certification body and other amendments to the Cinematograph Act, 1952, has been put on public domain for inviting their comments.