In response to the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, disclosed the number of films certified and the reduction of certification timelines.

The official release from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stated that "As per Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 22 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films."

The release also stated that the cuts for films are recommended only "if the content violates statutory parameters concerning sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence."

In the release, MIB has also shared the breakup of the number of films it has certified, the certification categories, and the number of appeals before a High Court against the order of the CBFC for the past five years.

According to the release, CBFC has certified 8299 films in 2020-21, 12,719 films in 2021-22, 18,070 in 2022-23, 17,431 in 2023-24, and 15,444 in 2024-2025. The Board has refused certification for three films (one in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25).

The total number of appeals before a court against the Board's orders is 21 (two in 2021, four in 2022, one in 2023, four in 2024 and 10 in 2025).

The impartiality in CBFC's certification came under scrutiny by the public following the alleged delay in issuing a certificate for actor-politician Vijay's swansong, Jana Nayagan. The film, which was supposed to be released on January 9, is yet to see the light of the day.