Mumbai, September 18 — Director Mohsin Khan’s upcoming Hindi film Mamta Child Factory has hit a regulatory roadblock after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly withheld clearance, citing objections to its surrogacy-based storyline. The film, which explores the journey of a doctor establishing a fertility clinic in a small town, has sparked debate over censorship, legality, and creative freedom in Indian cinema.
According to the filmmakers, the certification application was submitted on June 11, 2025, but the film was only screened on July 29 after a prolonged delay. Following the screening, Assistant Regional Officer Premraj Aachari informed the team that “since surrogacy is legally not permissible,” no decision could be taken at that time, and a detailed report would follow. However, even after two months, no report has been uploaded to the CBFC dashboard or shared with the producers.
Khan and his team have strongly contested the CBFC’s stance, arguing that altruistic surrogacy is a legally regulated practice in India. They cited precedents of certified films such as Badnaam Gali (2019), Mimi (2021), and Dukaan (2024), all of which addressed surrogacy themes without facing similar hurdles.
Adding to the controversy, Mamta Child Factory is a Hindi adaptation of Khan’s Marathi film Delivery Boy (2024), which was not only certified but also received ‘A’ category approval under the Maharashtra State Marathi Film Subsidy programme. The filmmakers questioned the inconsistency in certification standards, stating, “If Delivery Boy could be cleared, why is the Hindi version being stonewalled?”
Khan expressed concern over the impact of such delays on independent filmmakers, noting that prolonged uncertainty drains resources, deters investors, and jeopardizes release schedules. “Time is not a luxury we have. Every delay bleeds our resources and pushes back our release,” he said.
The case has reignited calls for greater transparency and reform in the film certification process, especially for content dealing with socially relevant but sensitive themes. Until the CBFC issues a formal decision, the release of Mamta Child Factory remains indefinitely stalled, adding to the growing discourse on censorship and creative autonomy in India’s entertainment industry.
