India mandates film accessibility
India mandated that films released from March 15 must include audio descriptions and closed captions, with non-compliance fines of ₹1 lakh per film — a major expansion of accessibility into cultural media. The Delhi High Court has pushed ministries and the film board to implement accessibility features swiftly after litigation over a major release reported.
The Central Board of Film Certification requires filmmakers to submit accessible Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs through the E‑Cinepramaan portal) that include audio-description and closed‑caption tracks as part of the certification process. news18.com Kerala Film Producers Association president B. Rakesh told producers the industry is “already mastering content,” while the association warned multilingual audio‑description and captioning workflows can raise costs to as much as ₹5 lakh per title. onmanorama.com The Delhi High Court directed the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and the CBFC to implement accessibility suggestions in existing film‑exhibition guidelines issued on March 15, 2024. verdictum.in The underlying petition was filed by visually impaired activist Rahul Bajaj, who asked the court to order a re‑release of Pushpa 2: The Rule with audio description, same‑language closed captions and Indian Sign Language across theatres and OTT platforms. verdictum.in Bajaj asked for an independent mechanism so ticketing apps and websites can indicate which releases contain accessibility features and provide technical support contacts for users seeking AD/CC/ISL-enabled showings. verdictum.in The new rules have sparked online debate over on‑screen subtitles and audience experience, with outlets reporting social‑media threads calling the move distracting even as distributors and some regional bodies say app‑based delivery can avoid reserving special seats. news18.com
