James Gunn and David Corenswet’s Superman was recently ordered to remove a romantic scene, and the viewers are disappointed with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The CBFC granted the film a U/A certificate after they ordered the makers to remove a kissing scene of Superman, played by David and Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, calling it a ‘sensual visual’.
The film certification board’s order has sparked a debate on social media. The controversial decision focused on whether the scene fit a U/A 13+ rating, which permits audiences over 13 to watch with parental guidance. The CBFC considered the scene too sensual and inappropriate for younger viewers, leading to a minor cut that slightly shortened the film's runtime, though the final length has not been disclosed.
This decision has sparked strong backlash from fans and viewers, many of whom accuse the board of double standards. On social media platform X, several users expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting the clear inconsistency, especially when compared to the leniency often granted to similar scenes in Bollywood films.
One person wrote, “Superman can't kiss Louis Lane. sanskari Censor Board of India has cut 2 kissing scenes. CBFC is worried about morals in films while OTT content can prosper without any morals.”
Superman can't kiss Louis Lane. sanskari Censor Board of India has cut 2 kissing scenes.
CBFC is worried about morals in films while OTT content can prosper without any morals. pic.twitter.com/L2hPY3lhMx— ηᎥ†Ꭵղ (@nkk_123) July 13, 2025
Watched Superman.
So they cut:
- the 2 kissing scenes
- The Green Lantern middle finger
- the "bitch" at the end of the movieSo the indian censor board (CBFC) can't handle these things, but the oversexualized item songs in Indian family films that objectify women are ok?
— Tony Stark's Homonculus (@uraniumenjoyer0) July 13, 2025
A third internet user questioned, “Seriously, what's up with the Indian Censor Board They chopped out basic kissing scenes from the new Superman movie, but somehow all the cringe item numbers and cheesy stuff in Bollywood get a free pass.”
Seriously, what's up with the Indian Censor Board? They chopped out basic kissing scenes from the new Superman movie, but somehow all the cringe item numbers and cheesy stuff in Bollywood get a free pass.#Superman #CBFC pic.twitter.com/ScUOcZoJog— GURSEWAK SINGH GILL (@Gsewak1116) July 12, 2025
Now watching #Superman and boy howdy the Indian censor board has embarassed 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. Awful editing job all around by the CBFC.— Rev. Paritosh Joshi 🌈 (@ParitoshJoshi) July 11, 2025
Apart from the kissing scene, the CBFC also muted several instances of profanity throughout the film. A scene with an eight-second offensive gesture was shortened and replaced with a two-second shot.
The film hit the Indian theatres on July 11 with positive reviews, with an ensemble cast, including Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Edi Gathegi, Terence Rosemore, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion and María Gabriela de Faría.
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