Starting on the second of October, all the directors and producers for the new films would have to think twice before a smoking scene is included in their movies. If spotted by the Central Board of the Film Certification during the review process, they would have to answer and justify why the scene would be mandatory in the movie.

The old rule that make it compulsory for the movies to play a 30-second anti-tobacco clipping before the movie begins and during the intermission remains. A static statutory message that indicates that smoking is harmful should be included everywhere a person is seen smoking.

A new rule forces the makers to show a 20 second disclaimer against smoking as prepared by the Union Health Ministry which is also to be played twice before the movie begins and in the middle of the movie.

These proposals have been vetted and were cleared for a final notification on Tuesday by the health ministry. The Supreme Court will be informed of these provisions on Thursday by the health ministry.

World Health Organization, WHO, studies revealed that 76% of our movies depicted smoking and at least 52.5 % of children who smoked were influenced by the movies. This necessitated such new rules to be brought into effect to prevent newer teens from falling prey to the movies.

(AW- Anil)