Indian viewers are upset after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cut kissing scenes from the new Superman movie. The film, directed by James Gunn, released worldwide on July 11, but the Indian version had key romantic moments removed. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, calling the censorship unnecessary.
The CBFC trimmed a 33-second kiss between David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), calling it a “sensual visual.” Another scene, where the couple kisses while floating in mid-air, was almost entirely removed. The cuts have sparked debates about India’s strict film censorship rules.
What Was Cut From The Indian Version Of Superman?
The CBFC made several changes to Superman before allowing its release in India. The most noticeable edits were the removal of two kissing scenes. The first happens early in the film when Superman and Lois Lane meet. The second, a dramatic mid-air kiss shown in the trailer, was heavily shortened.
Apart from the kisses, the CBFC also muted curse words and deleted an 8-second scene with a “foul gesture.” A trade source said:
“At the premiere held on July 9, the attendees did not react well to the cut. One can feel that something has been deleted. They were also confused as to why a part of the kissing scene was retained while the other part was censored.”
Despite these cuts, the film was given a U/A (Parental Guidance for children under 12) rating. The final runtime in India is 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 44 seconds.
Why Are Fans Angry About The Cuts?
Many Indian viewers believe the CBFC’s decision is outdated. They argue that kissing is a normal part of romantic relationships and should not be censored. Social media was flooded with complaints after the film’s release.
One viewer tweeted:
“CBFC deletes 33-second-long ‘sensual visual’ in Superman. FFS, it’s a PG-13 rated SUPERMAN movie! This country sucks.”
Another user wrote:
“Earlier they changed middle finger to a weird fist emoji in F1, now they chopped a kiss scene in Superman. It’s official. Indian censorship board hates movies, art, love, and everything nice about the human experience.”
Some pointed out the inconsistency in CBFC’s rules. While kissing scenes are cut, violent action sequences remain untouched. A viewer at an early screening said:
“It felt odd because the cut was very apparent. It’s odd that they kept the violent fights but deleted a kiss scene.”
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CBFC’s History Of Censoring Hollywood Films
This is not the first time the CBFC has edited international films for Indian audiences. Recently, the board changed a middle finger emoji to a fist emoji in the trailer for Brad Pitt’s F1 movie. Such decisions have led to criticism that the CBFC is too strict with foreign films while being lenient with Bollywood content.
A fan commented:
“So it’s okay to have sleazy item numbers in random family movies with scantily clad women but it’s unforgivable to have two people kiss? Wow.”
Others defended the CBFC, saying the cuts make the film more family-friendly. One supporter wrote:
“Very good move. Now, everyone can take all their family members together to watch this movie without hesitation.”
How Does This Affect The Film’s Reception?
Despite the controversy, Superman has received positive reviews worldwide. Critics praised David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent and the film’s fresh take on the superhero. However, Indian audiences feel they are not getting the full experience.
The debate over censorship in India is not new. Many argue that such edits take away from the filmmaker’s original vision. A source close to the production said studios often self-censor to avoid delays in certification.
“There are times when the studio anticipates that the CBFC might ask for a cut. To save time and effort, they self-censor.”
The backlash against the CBFC’s cuts in Superman has reignited discussions about India’s film certification process. While some believe in stricter controls, others demand more creative freedom. The debate is likely to continue as more Hollywood films release in India.
For now, Indian fans of Superman will have to watch a slightly different version than the rest of the world.
Also Read: Superman Ending and Post-Credit Scenes Explained: What Happens to Lex Luthor and Supergirl?
Credits: Research and reporting based on verified sources including Hindustan Times, News18, and Bollywood Hungama.
