CBFC Discontinues Tatkal Fast-Track Certification, Impacting Film Release Schedules

On February 26, 2026, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) announced that it would cease offering the tatkal fast‑track certification option. The tatkal scheme, in place for several years, let filmmakers secure a board clearance in 10‑15 days instead of the typical 30‑40, for a fee roughly three times the regular rate.

The decision, made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, follows a period of scrutiny over the scheme’s use. CBFC officials said the fast‑track route was originally intended for genuine urgency. Over time, however, it became a standard tool for larger production houses that could afford the extra cost. Critics argued the system created a two‑tier certification process that favored well‑capitalised producers, while smaller and mid‑size makers faced delays even when following the regular path.

Industry observers note that the removal of tatkal will force producers to plan release dates well in advance. Film producer Anand Pandit, who has worked on several high‑profile projects, said the tatkal route had served as a safety net when marketing campaigns were already locked in and a release date was approaching. "The impact will depend largely on how efficiently the regular certification process functions going forward," he said.

The CBFC’s decision comes after a series of reports highlighting the scheme’s misuse. A 2026 article in the Economic Times described how Telugu filmmakers used the fast‑track to finish visual‑effects work in the final weeks before a release and then rush the film to the board. The piece noted that the scheme had become a convenient shortcut for monied producers, while smaller studios struggled to meet certification deadlines.

In the past five years, the CBFC has certified 71,963 films, according to its annual data. Certification remains a prerequisite for any film shown publicly in India, whether in cinemas or on television. Removing tatkal is expected to make the certification timeline more predictable, but it also eliminates a mechanism that allowed producers to manage tight release windows.

The change arrives amid several high‑profile releases facing certification delays. The Tamil political thriller Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, has been postponed indefinitely after disputes with the CBFC. The Hindi biopic Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, was originally scheduled for a September 2024 release but was delayed to January 2025 due to certification issues.

While the CBFC has not released a detailed timetable for how the regular certification process will be adjusted, industry insiders anticipate that the board will need to increase its capacity to handle the same volume of applications without the tatkal option. The board’s decision is also seen as an attempt to level the playing field, ensuring that all producers are subject to the same certification timeline.

Reactions have been mixed. Some producers welcome the change as a step toward fairness, while others warn that the lack of a fast‑track route could jeopardise films that rely on tight marketing windows and last‑minute adjustments. The CBFC has stated that it will continue to review its processes to ensure that certification remains timely and consistent.

As of now, the CBFC’s decision is in effect, and all future film certification applications will have to go through the standard 30‑40‑day window unless the board introduces a new expedited process. Producers and distributors are advised to adjust their release schedules accordingly.

The CBFC’s discontinuation of the tatkal scheme marks a significant shift in India’s film certification landscape, underscoring the board’s commitment to a uniform certification process while also raising questions about how the industry will adapt to the new timeline constraints.