New Delhi — The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has introduced a multilingual module on its online film certification system, the E-Cinepramaan portal, allowing filmmakers to apply for certification of different language versions of a film through a single application.
The feature has been made live for public use and is expected to reduce repetition in the certification workflow for films planned for release across language markets.
Prior to this update, filmmakers seeking multilingual release were required to file separate applications for every dubbed version. The new system offers an option to upload multiple language tracks and seek approval in one submission.
CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi said the facility aims to make the certification process more efficient for an industry that increasingly produces films for wider national audiences. He said the optional feature is designed to simplify certification for films that intend to release in several Indian languages.
Under the new module, each film approved for multilingual release will receive a single certificate listing all the languages cleared for distribution. Certification will be processed by one regional office, instead of multiple locations for different languages.
The development reflects the growing trend of pan-India cinema, where movies are simultaneously released in several regional languages to expand viewership across states. The Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam markets are among the most active in this model.
E-Cinepramaan portal – one certificate for multilingual releases
CBFC said the multilingual module is part of its effort to modernise and digitise film certification. The board introduced the E-Cinepramaan portal to reduce physical paperwork and enable full online submissions, screening schedules and certificate downloads.
The new multilingual system does not replace the current process but offers an additional route for applicants who want to streamline submissions for multiple languages. Filmmakers may still apply separately for each version if they choose.
Industry have long called for single-window submissions for multilingual releases to reduce paperwork and avoid repeated scheduling of examination screenings. CBFC said it expects the new module to cut delays, especially for films planned for same-day national release.
Films released in multiple languages have grown in volume with high budget productions targeting all major linguistic markets. The demand has also expanded in independent cinema, animation and documentary films.
The multilingual certification system will be available across all CBFC regional offices.
