Parental (Kid’s) Rating Guide

My rating system, based on the MPAA rating system is described below. Obviously there are differences between Bollywood and Hollywood films, in the kind of violence/sexuality shown on screen. Thus while I may not anticipate nudity in a desi film, am just as averse to my kids being subjected to viewing sexual innuendoes/double entendres.

Please note that this is a rating system from one parent to another. I do not profess to being an expert on rating films, or professionally qualified to provide them. All ratings here are judged using common sense, and presented here so that you can decide for yourself which films are suitable for your children.

Reviews will also now be tagged by “kid-safeness”. Please look for the Categories on the left site of the browser window for my “kid-safe” labels.

G (for general audiences – suitable for all ages)

A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters that, in my view, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. The G rating is not a “certificate of approval,” nor does it signify a “children’s” motion picture. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated motion pictures. Depictions of violence are minimal. No lip-locks, nudity, sex scenes, suggestive bedroom scenes, or drug use are present in the motion picture.

In desi cinema, some hip-swinging, bosom-heaving and sexism is built-in. Also to be found in most films are allusions to “honor”, respectability, rules for “good” women and songs featuring some sexual molestation, i.e.; eve-teasing – good old desi patriarchy at work. A G-rated film will probably containg these built-in elements, reprehensible though they may be.

Example of a G-rated film : English Vinglish

PG (Parental guidance suggested – some material may not be suitable for children)

A PG-rated motion picture should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in my view, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision.

The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity, some depictions of violence or skimpy attire. But these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. These films will probably contain some sexual innuendo, double entendres.

Example of a PG-rated film : Krrish3

PG-13 (parents cautioned, some material inappropriate for kids under 13)

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the “A” category. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence.

Note that for desi films, a PG-13 rating will also mean that the film contains excessive profanity, violence, sexual innuendo, or scenes depicting sexual objectification.

Example of a PG-13 film : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

PG-15 (parents cautioned, some material inappropriate for kids under 15)

A little worse for the kiddos than a PG-13 film.

Example of a PG-15 film : D-Day

Rating “A”/ Rating “R” (unsuitable for children)

This rating means that I consider this film, patently too adult for children 17 and under. This kind of a film probably contains adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements.

Example of an “A” or “R” film : Gangs of Wasseypur I