Benegal panel stresses on need for ‘smooth viewing of films’

Stressing on the need for ‘smooth viewing of films’ while dissuading tobacco use and smoking and ‘operational flexibility’ in obtaining clearances for use of animals in films, the Committee of Experts chaired by Shyam Benegal has made a set of five more recommendations for timely certification of films. The second part of the Report of the 8-member Committee was submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

The Committee recommended that “A meaningful static disclaimer in the beginning of the film with standard visual background approved by the Ministry of Health may be shown for a minimum period along with an audio backing it. This should be made in all Indian languages and made applicable to all Media Platforms. However, periodicity of scenes depicting smoking should be avoided keeping in view the legislation in this regard”. 

The other suggestion in this regard being that “The Film Industry should produce small films on anti-tobacco with popular actors on their own for screening in cinema halls and on TV channels after obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.” 

The Committee opined that the static warning that appear during every smoking scene apart from the disclaimers and anti-tobacco health spots being shown mandatorily in the beginning and interval of every film disturbs smooth viewing of the film and both the Film Industry and the viewers were concerned about the same. 

With regard to obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Animal Welfare Board of India for certification of films in which performing animals are used, the Committee of Experts recommended that, 1.There should be “Licensed Suppliers” of ‘Performing Animals’ who are qualified in handling various animals and taking care of them as per law, whose services can be hired by the Producers, a facilitation available internationally; 2.  As an interim measure to cut down the time consumed in obtaining ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the AWBI, a directory of “certified (approved) 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, Board could issue NOC. Appropriate fee for the services of such empanelled experts will be paid by producers directly to the Board; 3. A performing animal may be defined as an animal which is written into the script and is required to perform an act which it would not normally do. Such a clarity will allow automatic clearance for scenes of cows, goats etc., apart from birds which often appear while picturising scenes in villages, small towns etc. 

In such situations, a self-declaration by the producers to this effect is submitted at the time of application to Central Board of Film Certification, in lieu of an NOC from the AWBI. The second part of the recommendations of the Shyam Benegal Committee would be placed in public domain soon by the I&B Ministry.