Bad Newz: CBFC trims Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri's 27 second kiss scene

The much-anticipated Bollywood romantic comedy Bad Newz, starring Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri, has been the centre of controversy following recent actions by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Anand Tiwari, recently underwent scrutiny from the CBFC, resulting in the trimming of a pivotal intimate scene between the lead actors.

The scene in question features Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri in a 27-second lip-lock, which has now been modified by the CBFC. According to the cut list, the film does not include any audio cuts, but the visual content has been significantly altered. The CBFC’s examining committee found three specific scenes depicting intimate moments between the characters to be too explicit for the intended audience. The first scene was originally nine seconds long, the second was ten seconds, and the third was eight seconds, cumulatively amounting to 27 seconds of screen time.

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Interestingly, the official edit list mentioned modifying the visuals of the lip-lock, but in practice, these frames were entirely cut rather than edited. This decision has sparked a debate on social media, with fans divided over the necessity of such censorship. While some viewers appreciated the chemistry between Vicky and Triptii, others found the intimate scenes excessive and cringeworthy.

Besides the controversial kiss scene, the CBFC has asked for  other minor changes. These included replacing a disclaimer at the beginning of the film, adding an anti-alcohol static, and increasing the font size of the anti-alcohol warning. These adjustments were made to ensure that the film adhered to the guidelines set by the CBFC for a U/A certificate, which allows children above 12 years to watch the movie under parental guidance.

After these changes, *Bad Newz* received its U/A certificate, indicating the film’s compliance with the regulatory standards. The final length of the film, as indicated on the censor certificate, is 142 minutes, equivalent to 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Bad Newz delves into the life of a woman, portrayed by Triptii Dimri, who becomes pregnant from two different men due to a rare medical condition known as heteropaternal superfecundation. Vicky Kaushal and Amy Virk play the two fathers in this unique storyline, which blends romance and comedy. The movie is a fresh take on unconventional relationships and the complexities that arise from them.

Directed by Anand Tiwari, who previously collaborated with Vicky Kaushal in *Love Per Square Foot*, the film promises a blend of humor, romance, and drama. This film marks Triptii Dimri’s first project opposite Vicky Kaushal, and it is produced under Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.

The modifications made by the CBFC have garnered mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. On social media, the hashtag #BadNewzCensored started trending shortly after the news broke. Supporters of the film argue that the CBFC's decision to trim the kiss scene undermines artistic freedom and stifles the depiction of genuine romance on screen. Critics, however, feel that the scene was overly explicit and not suitable for a family audience, thus justifying the CBFC's intervention.

Despite the censorship controversy, Bad Newz is slated for release on July 19. The film's intriguing plot and the star power of Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri have built substantial anticipation among audiences. The trailer and promotional content have already generated significant buzz, suggesting a strong opening at the box office.