Now, health warnings a must in films

Films and TV programmes produced before November 14 with grabs of cigarettes or tobacco or people smoking will now have to display anti-tobacco health spots or messages of minimum 30 seconds duration at the beginning and middle of the film or the television programme, says a new health ministry notification.

Films and TV programmes produced before November 14 with grabs of cigarettes or tobacco or people smoking will now have to display anti-tobacco health spots or messages of minimum 30 seconds duration at the beginning and middle of the film or the television programme, says a new health ministry notification.

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The new rules also require the producers to prominently scroll anti-tobacco health warning at the bottom of the screen during display. The guidelines require that all such programmes displaying tobacco use be telecast at timings that are likely to have minimal viewership of minors.

There are separate rules for films and TV programmes being made after November 14.

"A strong editorial justification for display of tobacco products or their use shall be given to Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) along with UA certification, and be accompanied by a disclaimer, of minimum 20 seconds duration, by the concerned actor regarding the ill effects of the use of such products, in the beginning and middle of the film or television programme besides 30 second messages warning against the use of tobacco and a prominent scroll.