The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is facing widespread criticism over its recent censorship of Hollywood films like Superman and F1, while Indian films continue to pass with minimal cuts.
Recently released James Gunn’s Superman and Brad Pitt’s F1 were edited to receive a U/A 13+ rating. A 33-second kiss between Superman and Lois Lane was removed, and a middle-finger emoji in F1 was altered. These changes have sparked strong reactions on social media.
On platforms like X and Instagram, users and even a few celebrities have accused the CBFC of double standards. They point out that Indian films across languages like Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada often include violence, bold romance, and mature themes but rarely face the same level of scrutiny. Many believe this selective censorship affects the narrative and emotional depth of international films, reducing the overall viewing experience.
Although criticism of the CBFC is not new, the growing popularity of global cinema in India has intensified the debate. Viewers are calling for a consistent and fair certification process that respects creative expression, regardless of the film’s origin. Whether the board responds to these concerns or continues with its current approach remains to be seen.