IMPPA slams Censor Board over DCP

Pahlaj Nihalani

A recent meeting of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) witnessed high-voltage drama as members disagreed with chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani on a range of issues, including a new strategy to avoid pre-release piracy of films - producers now have to submit films through a DCP format instead of DVDs. While the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) has welcomed the move, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has raised concerns over this "expensive" option.

Pahlaj Nihalani

TP Aggarwal, president of IMPPA, argued, "Our guild consists of over 10,000 producers and they are all against this new rule. Converting films to DCP format will cost Rs 60,000-70,000. This will burn a hole in the pockets of small-time and regional filmmakers, who work around a modest budget."

Not just that, if the Board recommends any cuts or asks for incorporating a disclaimer or statutory warning, the producers will have to go through the exorbitant process all over again for a second screening of their films, said Aggarwal.

Vaani Tripathi Tikoo

IMPPA has written a series of letters to the CBFC, underlining their concerns over the new format. Aggarwal said, "We have also written to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry about this issue and are waiting for their response."

Nihalani, in return, argued, "I am doing my job for CBFC and not for IMPPA."

CBFC member Vaani Tripathi Tikoo, supporting the decision, however, said, "It is not compulsory for producers to send their film in DCP format; they send it on DVDs, we will see it. However, it is about safeguarding them in which the IFTPC has supported us. If their film leaks online, they will end up losing crores, so it is better to spend some money on DCP."

What is DCP?
A DCP or Digital Cinema Package is the digital equivalent of a film print, packaged on a hard-drive to be played in digital cinemas. It is password protected and time-coded in the sense that a film encrypted for a specific time limit won't be available for viewing post that.

E-way for certification
The Board is mulling a process of certification through online application. CBFC member Vaani Tripathi Tikoo said, "We have been discussing the matter for a year. I think it will benefit not only Indian producers but also those abroad. They can apply online and check their status too. It will be a simple process like one applies for a passport. However, there is no chance that we can watch the film on computers; they will still have to send us hard copies. But, we are working towards streamlining the process and avoid corruption."