What exactly happened?
In a move that has sent ripples through the film industry, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has abruptly discontinued its Tatkal (priority) certification scheme with immediate effect from June 1. While applications already submitted under the scheme will still be processed, no new requests will be accepted. The decision comes after months of speculation, with reports emerging as early as February 2026 that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was planning to scrap the accelerated process.
The Tatkal scheme was introduced on March 15, 2024, to help filmmakers get censor certificates urgently. Under the priority route, certification was supposedly granted within 5 days, though in practice it often took 10–15 days. For a regular application, filmmakers have to wait anywhere between 30 to 40 days. The catch? The cost. While a standard application costs around Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000, the Tatkal route came with a 3x price tag, forcing smaller producers to cough up nearly a lakh or more just to get their films certified on time.
Filmmakers divided on the decision
Industry insiders reveal that the Tatkal scheme had become the new normal, with an increasing number of films being submitted under it. This overburdened the system and left smaller producers feeling compelled to opt for the expensive route just to keep up. An industry source tells us, “Applying under the Tatkal scheme became the new normal and it overburdened the system. The smaller producers were unhappy as they were also compelled to apply under it. Many complained about what they felt was a misuse of the Tatkal scheme.”
As a result, a section of filmmakers has welcomed the scrapping. However, others are worried about what comes next. Senior industry member Rajesh Vasani of Paras Publicity shared his concerns on Facebook, noting that if filmmakers were already struggling to get timely screenings even under the priority route, the situation under regular processing alone could be chaotic. He warned that unless the CBFC boosts screening capacity and operational efficiency, release schedules may face significant disruptions, hitting producers, distributors, exhibitors, and marketing plans hard.
What happens now?
The CBFC has not yet clarified a timeline for regular certifications after the Tatkal scheme’s removal. This uncertainty has led to fears that film release dates could be pushed back if the censor process slows down. With no alternative fast-track option in place, producers might have to plan their submissions much earlier or risk delays. The decision is administratively justified, many admit, as it removes the perception of a two-tier system. But without clear guidelines, the coming months could be tense for the release calendar.
For now, the industry is watching closely. Whether the CBFC streamlines the regular process or leaves filmmakers hanging remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Tatkal era is over, and Bollywood will have to adapt.