U, UA 13+ and A: How Film and OTT Ratings Work in India
Every film in Indian cinemas starts with a certificate on screen, and streaming shows carry age labels too. Here’s what each rating means, who decides it, and how the newer UA 7+, 13+ and 16+ labels work.
Daily Life Buzz Editorial 3 min readExplainer
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Before the opening scene of almost every film in an Indian cinema, a certificate fills the screen for a few seconds. Most of us glance at the letter and wait for the film to start. But that certificate decides who can legally watch the film, and since 2024 the letters have changed.
Who decides a film’s rating
Films for public exhibition in cinemas must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The legal basis is the Cinematograph Act, 1952, along with rules and guidelines issued under it.
Examining committees watch the film and decide which certificate it should get. They can also ask for cuts or changes before certifying it. A producer who disagrees can ask for a review and, in the end, go to court.
What each certificate means
The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 replaced the single old UA category with three age-based ones. Reports say the new system came into effect in October 2024.
| Certificate | Who can watch | What it signals |
|---|---|---|
| U | Everyone | Suitable for all ages |
| UA 7+ | Everyone | Parental guidance advised for children under 7 |
| UA 13+ | Everyone | Parental guidance advised for children under 13 |
| UA 16+ | Everyone | Parental guidance advised for children under 16 |
| A | Adults only, 18 and over | Legally restricted |
| S | Specialised audiences only | For groups such as doctors or scientists; rarely used |
UA ratings guide parents. Only the A certificate is a legal age limit.
UA is guidance, not a ban
This is the point many people miss. A UA 13+ film is still an unrestricted film: a 10-year-old can legally watch it. The number tells parents that the film may contain material, such as violence, frightening scenes or strong language, that they might not want younger children to see without guidance.
An A certificate is different. Cinemas are not supposed to admit anyone under 18 to an A-rated film.
What about streaming platforms?
Shows and films on OTT platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video or JioHotstar don’t go through the CBFC. Instead, under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, platforms classify their own content into similar categories: U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+ and A.
The rules also require platforms to:
- show the rating and a short content description (for example, violence or drug use) at the start;
- provide parental locks for content rated U/A 13+ and above;
- use age verification for adult content.
If you have a complaint about content on a streaming service, the rules set out a grievance process, starting with the platform itself.
How to use ratings at home
- Read the content description, not just the letter. Two UA 13+ titles can be very different.
- Set up parental controls on streaming apps if children use your account, and create separate child profiles.
- Watch the trailer together when unsure. It’s a quick way to judge whether a film suits your child.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some films have scenes cut for certification?
The CBFC can ask for changes before granting a certificate, or a producer may make cuts to get a lower rating, such as UA instead of A, which allows a wider audience.
Is an A-rated film on TV the same as in a cinema?
Not exactly. Television broadcasting has its own rules on what can be shown and when, so a film may be edited before it airs on TV.
Can a film be released in India without a certificate?
Not for public screening in cinemas. A certificate from the CBFC is required.
Sources
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