NB Explains | Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 approved to curb piracy; Indian film industry thanks govt

The Union Cabinet"s approval of the Cinematograph Act 2023, is a major step forward toward safeguarding & promoting the film industry.

NewsBharati    20-Apr-2023 09:59:21 AM
Total Views |
New Delhi, April 20: In a huge development in safeguarding the Indian film industry, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 which aims to curb piracy in film content and protect the creative industry.
 
Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2023 approved to curb piracy
 
This came after Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced after the cabinet meeting that the bill will be brought in the next Parliament session.
 

What is the aim of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023?

 
The bill is aimed at ensuring that the film content does not suffer due to piracy as the menace causes heavy loss to the industry. A bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019 and it was sent to the Standing Committee for scrutiny.
 
The bill has provisions to classify films on the basis of age group, instead of the current practice of “U”, “A”, and “UA”.
 
“U” is for unrestricted public exhibition and “A” is restricted to adult audiences, while “UA” is for unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children below the age of 12 and “S” for special category audiences such as doctors and scientists.
 
It is learnt that the amendments seek to add new classification – “UA-7+”, “UA-13+” and “UA-16+” in place for 12 years.
 
 

What did Union Minister Anurag Thakur say?

 
 
"The Indian film industry is a crucial part of our cultural heritage, but piracy has been a constant threat to it. The Union Cabinet's approval of Cinematography Act 2023, is a major step forward towards safeguarding & promoting the film industry," the Union Minister shared the videos in a series of tweets.
 
 
Calling this development a "revolutionary step" said, "The bill, which has been drafted after thorough consultation with the stakeholders, incorporating best practices, will be introduced in the next session of parliament. It will also prove to be a revolutionary step towards promoting Indian films & helping local content go global."
 
"The fight against piracy is a global one but we're determined to protect our creative industry by simplifying laws & improving the ease of doing business in India. Our efforts have resulted in a significant improvement in our rankings benefitting citizens & businesses alike," he added.
 

What did the film fraternity say?

 
Soon after he announced the news, several members of the film fraternity took to their social media handles and hailed the Cabinet's nod to Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023.
 
Taking to Twitter, actor Ajay Devgn wrote, "Kudos to the @MIB_India for proactively making amendments to the Cinematograph Act, thereby preserving the movie-going experience."
 
 
Actor R Madhavan wrote, "Union Cabinet approves amendment in Cinematograph Act 1952 to comprehensively curb menace of film piracy. This is brilliant and much I awaited and welcome to use. Wonderful proactive action."
 
 
Production house T-series tweeted, "This move is very effective as it will not only help in faster growth of the film industry but also boost job creation in the sector. #TSeries supports the government's recent move with the amendment in the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to bring about improvements in curbing the menace of Film piracy!"
 
 
SLV Cinemas, the banner behind the Nani-starrer “Dasara”, said the approval of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 is “great news for the Film Industry”.
 
“Union Cabinet approves amendment in Cinematograph Act 1952 to comprehensively curb menace of film piracy. Thank you @MIB_India and Hon’ble Minister @ianuragthakur Garu for addressing the issue. @Murugan_MoS #CineAct2023 #CinematographAct2023,” the production house said in a tweet.
 
 
“Extremely grateful for the initiative taken by the MIB in the effort to curb piracy. Union Cabinet approves amendment in Cinematograph Act 1952 to comprehensively curb menace of film piracy. @MIB_India @ianuragthakur @Murugan_MoS #CineAct2023 #CinematographAct2023,” said Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra, production company behind “Virupaksha”.
 
Cinematograph Union Cabinet Cinematograph Act 2023 piracy film industry movie piracy Anurag Thakur