Latest news with #CentralBoardOfFilmCertification
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
New Superman movie is forced to CUT two scenes after they were deemed too risque for Indian audiences
The new Superman movie has been forced to remove two scenes from screenings in India after they were deemed 'overly sensual'. While cinemagoers in the rest of the world saw the blockbuster in its entirety, Indian fans noticed a jarring skip. On two occasions, as the superhero leaned in for a kiss, the film suddenly lurched forward, cutting to the aftermath of an embrace. The film, directed by James Gunn, originally featured a 33-second scene between Superman and Lois Lane in which they are seen passionately smooching. However, India's notoriously prudish film board, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), deemed this inappropriate for Indian audiences and subsequently cut it from the movie. The organization said the moment was 'too sensual' to be branded with the U/A film certification, which roughly translates to a 12A or Parental Guidance in other countries around the world. The cuts have sparked furore from some viewers, who have accused the CBFC of regressive and hypocritical censorship. Many highlighted that the same board which removed a consensual kiss regularly permitted films that glorified violence, promoted regressive gender roles, or peddled misinformation about minority religious communities. Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the cuts. One viewer said: 'CBFC would allow horrific scenes of violence and sexual assault in a U-certified film that kids are freely allowed to watch, but won't allow consensual kissing in a U/A comic book movie that kids should watch under adult supervision.' Another added: 'Dear Board Members of CBFC, you are a disgrace to the film industry. 'Emoji censoring was your lowest point, & today, it was kissing (not making out, just passionate/sensual kissing) in Superman that was cut. 'If movies are already made to be in ICU, you are the kill switch.' A third wrote: 'Now watching and boy howdy the Indian censor board has embarrassed itself with the abrupt cuts they've made to the film. 'The "morality" aside, the way they've managed to mangle the flow is atrocious. Awful editing job all around by the CBFC.' This is not the first time the CBFC has been the subject of controversy. In 2015 it sparked fury after ordering that kissing scenes in James Bond movie, Spectre, be shortened by 50 per cent ahead of its release in India The organization demanded that four scenes be trimmed, including at least two kisses between the lead actors Daniel Craig and Monica Bellucci. The decision to reduce the length of the scenes triggered a social media storm as Indians mocked the prudishness of film certification authorities. Ashoke Pandit, a member of the censor board, confirmed to BBC Hindi that the scenes had been heavily edited, but claimed the decision had been made in 'personal capacity' by the board's controversial head, Pahlaj Nihalani. 'He does these kind of things,' Pandit said. 'Other shots have also been cut along with the kissing scene. This seems like a joke. If you do this to a James Bond film, then it's shameful.' Kissing scenes are regularly censored in films and TV shows in India as public displays of affection are still widely looked down upon in the largely conservative country.
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The Superman scene that India wouldn't allow
India 's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is facing significant criticism for censoring a 33-second kiss between Superman and Lois Lane in the theatrical release of James Gunn 's film, deeming it "overly sensual". Indian cinemagoers noticed a jarring skip in the film, leading to widespread condemnation on social media regarding the board's decision. Critics argue that the CBFC's censorship is inconsistent and hypocritical, often approving films that glorify violence or promote regressive gender roles while censoring minor or consensual scenes. The board justifies its decisions under Article 19(2) of the Indian constitution, which allows "reasonable restrictions" on free speech, but critics claim interpretations are subjective and politically influenced. The dismantling of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal in 2021 has worsened the situation, making it harder for filmmakers to appeal the CBFC's increasingly frequent and questionable censorship decisions.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Akshay Kumar forced to cast Kareena Kapoor in Talaash,' says Pahlaj Nihalini; revealing it was the first time in his career that an actor interfered in casting
Former CBFC ( Central Board Of Film Certification ) Chief and film-maker Pahlaj Nihalini is always known for being quite vocal about his opinions. Nihalini in the recent interview has spoken harshly about the growing costs of entourage of actors. He revealed the kind of demands which actors have. He also added that earlier heroes never interfered with the casting of heroines but it started with Akshay Kumar who referred Kareena Kapoor for his film 'Talaash'. Pahlaj said that this was the first time in his career that he saw such a demand. 'Earlier, producers and directors used to cast and heroes wouldn't interfere in casting. The first actor to interfere in casting with me was Akshay Kumar in Talash in 2002. He told me that 'we can start the movie tomorrow, and you can give me any amount that you want, but the heroine of this film will be Kareena Kapoor.' It was one of the most costly film of that time, it was made in Rs 22 crore. This was the first time in my career that an actor had demanded a certain cast,' he said. He said that now a days, the actor only decides everything about the film - right from the director to actresses or technicians. 'Aajkal toh yeh pura racket hai. Aaj kal sab kuch actor ka hi hai.' When asked about the reason why Akshay wanted Kareena for the film, he said, 'Sometimes, as the actors grow old they want to star against younger actresses so that their own age looks less.' In this interview, he also spoke about Govinda and was asked if he was arrogant. Reacting to it, he said, "Govinda was always insecure in everything. His father was a huge hero of Mehboob Khan. He was a producer also, had so many losses. Usne itna dard saaha uske baad, bahut saari cheezein unke haath se nikal gayi, aur struggle karna pada. All those things were built inside him while doing something.'
