The fight started in INOX Megaplex when cinema staff denied entry to a small youth seeking to watch the A-rated film Dhurandhar 2. Such an incident at Emerald Mall has reignited a debate on film certification and parental control.
A father went to the multiplex along with a boy who was believed to be under 18 years of age to go and watch the just released action thriller. In response to the boy, security personnel in the entrance blocked the boy from entering the screenings hall due to the strict certification rules and codes of play as per CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification).
Under CBFC regulations, movies deemed as “A” (Adults Only Film) must be directed for people 18+ and not 17, the CBFC rules dictate. Television operators verify the age of audiences and the authenticity of identification to access the theater even then. In our case, according to the report on the TV, workers asked for ID verification.
🚨SHOCKING | Father clashes with theatre staff over son's entry to A-rated Dhurandhar 2.
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) March 23, 2026
At INOX Megaplex in Emerald Mall, security refused entry to the boy under 18 as per CBFC rules (ID required). pic.twitter.com/fx2quaYNF4
This drew a dispute between the father and theatre bosses. Witnesses say he claimed he was accompanying his son and should have the prerogative to direct her what he watches. He said he felt that the rules were too inflexible and too rigid, especially if one parent was present, according to court testimony.
In theatre staff, despite that situation, there were simply legal arguments and they felt they had been operating within guidelines, because certification rules could be very strict. The minor actress was in an A rated film and would face fines/ license issues, licenses and/or other regulations from the cinema which would place them at some risk.
This situation flared up briefly, drawing a response from other filmgoers when loud voices interrupted what was going on. Security arrived to cool it down and the boy was still not able to enter the movie cinema. Some hours later, the father was out and seemingly angry.
The episode has since been widely publicized on social media, with very different opinions given. The theatre staff have voiced their support in CBFC terms which the guidelines show to be age-appropriate viewing and guardians should do the right thing in those matters.
The film industry experts say A certification is a threat to minors to protect their youth from films of extreme violence or language that is coarse/adult based. For Dhurandhar 2, with its high volume of action and adultistic story there is no other reason to restrict people in their region.
Multiplex chains in India have been increasingly strict in the application of these laws so far, in the wake of the scrutiny placed on them by the government (as the government’s response has made it clear). Today, A-rated films must be ID checked for all screenings in most theatres including high-profile dramas and other movies and movies.
While the situation can sound minor the main thing is regulatory and customer compliance needs to find a balance. For theatre operators the risk of breaking certification standards is too high if it leads to an uncomfortable situation with customers to take it apart.
There are many ongoing debates online, yet this is one thing that seems clear; until the rules are revised, cinemas are going to enforce age restrictions hard irrespective of anyone else’s explicit consent.
