The new Superman movie was released with shortened kissing scenes and muted cuss words in India on 11 July 2025. This action of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) is being widely criticised by influencers, film critics and Superman fans globally. Pakistani influencer bashed the Indian censor board for hypocrisy.
The ‘Superman’ movie is an exciting superhero movie, based on the characters from the DC comics. It is written and directed by James Gunn and is the second reboot of the Superman film series. It is also the first film in the DC Universe (DCU) produced by DC Studios.
The ensemble cast of the movie includes:
- David Corenswet
- Rachel Brosnahan
- Nicholas Hoult
- Edi Gathegi
- Anthony Carrigan
- Nathan Fillion
- Isabela Merced
It was released in theatres on 11 July 2025 in India and the United States, but unlike in the US, it was released in India with shortened kissing scenes and muted cuss words by the censor board, which led to a widespread backlash towards the CBFC. Fans were curious and excited to watch their favourite superhero in action on the silver screen, but due to this bold move of the Indian censor board, fans left the theatre unhappy and criticised this decision of the CBFC.
The reason why the censor board is facing this widespread backlash is that the CBFC made significant changes to the movie, which, according to fans, ruined the essence of the movie.
A 33-second kiss scene between Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) was cut and left to just a few seconds, and many cuss words in the movie were also muted. Many film critics, Superman fans, and influencers globally criticised the Indian film censor board because of this decision, calling it hypocritical and outdated.
Criticising the Indian censor board (CBFC), people all around the globe made significant remarks and called this censorship outdated. Many US viewers were surprised that such a scene was considered ‘too sensual’ by the Indian film censor board.
Here’s what people said:
- Egyptologist Ivan Montanaro wrote, “India should make more effort in cleaning the entire country…”
- Pakistani influencer Alina Shahid commented, “Meanwhile their "item songs" get a free pass.”
- “Didn’t they write the Kama Sutra?” writer-filmmaker Donovan Trott exclaimed.
- To which a user replied sarcastically, “There was no kissing in the book of Kama Sutra cause it was too sensual.”
- Another commented “Since men in India can’t control themselves over women it’s gonna give them Envie to do some stuff.”
- 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,” one viewer said on social media.
- The Indian censor board has embarrassed itself with the abrupt cuts they’ve made to the film. The ‘morality’ of censorship aside, the way they’ve managed to mangle the flow is atrocious,” another viewer remarked.
All these remarks made by influencers, film critics and fans worldwide rather showcase a rising frustration with outdated censorship practices. This backlash points to a growing desire for the Indian film industry to adapt to the times and embrace contemporary standards.
Audiences today are eager for authentic storytelling that reflects diverse experiences. It’s essential for regulatory bodies to find a middle ground that respects cultural values while also allowing for artistic expression, ensuring that filmmakers can share their visions without facing unnecessary limitations.
