In a major development for movie lovers, the Censor Board has announced a groundbreaking initiative to make films more accessible to the hearing and visually impaired. Starting January 1, 2025, all films screened in theatres will include features aimed at enhancing the movie experience for differently-abled individuals. This initiative will provide a significant boost to inclusivity in the film industry.
For visually impaired viewers, a mobile app will be available that delivers scene descriptions when there is no dialogue. These descriptions will include details of the scene, such as time, date, and location. Apps like UFO and Greta, which currently offer this service, will allow users to scan a QR code on their special tickets and listen to the visual descriptions on their mobile phones.
Additionally, the Censor Board is ensuring that sounds like gunshots or animal sounds, which are not accompanied by visuals, will be described for the hearing impaired. Starting January 1, films will only be granted a censor certification if they include visual descriptions and subtitles, which are already mandatory for multilingual films. The film Pani was the first to be released with these features.
While the initiative is seen as a step forward for inclusivity, there are concerns about potential disruptions to other viewers’ experiences and the cost of adding these features, which could reach Rs 1 lakh per language. However, sound engineer Kishan Mohan assured that efforts would be made to minimize costs. This move will also be implemented on OTT platforms to ensure wider accessibility.
