James Gunn’s much-anticipated reboot Superman released globally on July 11, including in India—but Indian audiences are watching a censored version.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has removed a 33-second kiss scene between David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), citing it as an inappropriate “sensual visual.”
In addition to muting curse words throughout the film, the CBFC also removed two kiss scenes, including one widely featured in the film’s trailer—where Superman and Lois kiss while floating in mid-air. That particular scene was drastically shortened, reportedly leaving a jarring cut that left preview audiences confused.
A viewer at the early screening on July 9 commented:
“The cut was very apparent. It felt odd that they kept the violent scenes but removed a kiss.”
The CBFC also deleted an eight-second shot involving a foul gesture, continuing its recent pattern of censoring Western films for the Indian market. Just days earlier, the Board faced criticism for modifying a middle finger emoji in Brad Pitt’s F1 film trailer into a fist, altering its original tone.
Despite the edits, Superman has been positively received by critics. The film stars David Corenswet in his debut as the iconic hero, along with Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, and Isabela Merced. It marks the first official entry in Gunn’s new DC Universe.
The CBFC’s actions have reignited ongoing debates around censorship and creative freedom in India, particularly in how Hollywood films are modified for domestic release.
