Producers Express Anger Over Hyderabad Censor Office!

Completing a film and preparing it for release is already a challenging task for producers, but obtaining the mandatory banner ID from the Hyderabad Regional Censor Office has reportedly become another major hurdle for the Telugu film industry. Under the guidelines introduced by the Central Government in 2017 to regulate film production companies, every producer must register their banner and obtain a unique ID before a censor certificate can be issued for a film. While other regional censor offices reportedly issue these IDs within 24 hours after receiving basic documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards, producers allege that the process in Hyderabad takes weeks or even months. They claim that applications are being rejected over reasons such as unclear photographs on Aadhaar cards, demands for old photographs instead of recently taken ones, and the requirement to submit additional affidavits. Some producers reportedly approached censor offices in other states due to the delays, but their applications were eventually redirected to Hyderabad, further prolonging the process.

Industry representatives believe the absence of a full-time Regional Officer (RO) at the Hyderabad office since February last year is a major reason behind the problem. Dr Rahul Gaulikar, who holds a director-level position at Doordarshan, has been assigned additional charge as the in-charge RO. Producers allege that difficulties in obtaining banner IDs have increased since he assumed the responsibility. They also claim that they are unable to secure appointments to explain their grievances and that officials are often unavailable over the phone. The delays are reportedly affecting film release schedules and increasing producers' financial burden through mounting interest payments on loans. Although the Film Chamber has written to the Censor Board regarding the issue, producers say there has been no effective resolution. The Producers' Council has now brought the matter to the attention of Central Board of Film Certification Chairman Vempati Sasi Kumar. Industry representatives are demanding the immediate appointment of a full-time Regional Officer in Hyderabad and a streamlined banner ID issuance process.