CBFC member Ricky Kej: 'Protecting kids doesn't mean sanitising films for adults'

Ricky Kej calls CBFC appointment alongside Preity Zinta, Pallavi Joshi, Pankaj Tripathi a ‘responsibility’ and seeks accurate age ratings: ‘Protecting children does not mean sanitising cinema for adults’

Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has opened up about his appointment to the newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), calling it a responsibility and outlining his priorities as a board member. Kej said he wants age-based classifications to be applied accurately so parents can make informed choices while reducing the need for cuts to content intended for mature audiences.

He also stressed that protecting children should not mean restricting cinema made for adults.

New CBFC board arrives amid ongoing debates over film certification

The Central Board of Film Certification was reconstituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 16, with 18 members appointed for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The new panel includes Ricky Kej, Preity Zinta,

Pankaj Tripathi

Suniel Shetty

Manoj Joshi

Prosenjit Chatterjee

and filmmaker

Priyadarshan

, among others. Shashi Shekhar Vempati continues as chairperson.The reconstitution comes at a time when film certification, age classifications and CBFC-mandated modifications continue to be closely discussed within the industry. The current framework includes U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ and A categories, with the age-based UA classifications intended to provide more specific parental guidance.

Ricky Kej calls CBFC appointment a responsibility

Speaking to NDTV, Ricky Kej said he was surprised and honoured by the appointment and emphasised the responsibility that comes with being part of the board.

“So, first of all, I'm extremely honoured to be a part of the CBFC board. My first reaction was that I was very pleasantly surprised and absolutely honoured to be a part of the board, especially given the other members of the board are people whom I've admired for a very long time. I take this with a lot of responsibility and a lot of duty,” Kej said.The composer also referred to his reputation as a “Wikipedia of films”, attributing it to his knowledge of international cinema, filmmakers and film history.“And of course, a lot of people call me the Wikipedia of films. That's because of my deep knowledge of global film movements, of directors, of film history, and that knowledge ensures that I view censorship through a lens of artistic reverence, and that is first and foremost,” he said.

Ricky Kej wants accurate age ratings and fewer cuts

Kej said one of his personal priorities on the board would be ensuring that the age-based certification system is applied accurately.“Now, of course, as you correctly mentioned that there are age-based classifications and my priority, at least my personal priority on the board, will be to ensure that these classifications are applied accurately so that parents are empowered to make informed choices and hopefully, you know, we lessen the need to actually edit or cut content meant for mature audiences,” he said.His comments come as the CBFC operates under a certification framework that has increasingly incorporated age-specific classifications.

The UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ categories are designed to give parents more specific information about the suitability of films for younger viewers.

‘Protecting children does not mean sanitising cinema for adults’

Kej also spoke about his association with children-focused initiatives and his understanding of the impact entertainment can have on young audiences.“Also, I would like to say that since I actively compose music for children and I serve as a UNICEF celebrity supporter and a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador with a global role, I care very deeply about the impact on young minds,” he said.At the same time, Kej distinguished between protecting younger viewers and restricting material created for adults. “And however, I do acknowledge that protecting children does not mean sanitising cinema for adults,” he concluded.

Ricky Kej brings a composer’s perspective to film certification

Kej believes his background in music gives him a different way of experiencing cinema, particularly in terms of rhythm, pacing and emotional storytelling.“And I always believe that cinema is 50% visual and 50% sound.

So as a composer, I experienced films through rhythm, through pacing, through emotional nuance and atmospheric storytelling,” he said.He also suggested that his position outside filmmaking and production could allow him to approach screenings without some of the industry relationships that can influence perceptions.“So not being a director or producer actually gives me an unbiased, nonpartisan vantage point because I don't bring industry rivalries or insider biases to the screening room,” Kej said.

CBFC faces scrutiny over cuts and certification decisions

The new board takes charge amid continued public discussion around CBFC decisions. Recent examples include ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, for which reports said the CBFC sought the removal of an eight-second kissing scene and the muting of certain words before granting a UA 13+ certificate. The CBFC’s own database lists the film as UA 13+. Another prominent case has been Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Satluj’, earlier titled ‘Punjab ’95’.

The film reportedly faced more than 125 requested cuts during its theatrical certification process and subsequently went through a prolonged release journey before its brief uncut availability on OTT in India.