James Gunn’s “Superman” encountered issues before reaching Indian theaters, with censors removing romantic scenes between the Man of Steel and Lois Lane.
India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved the superhero film for theatrical release on July 7, 2025, but with significant changes. The regulatory body required the removal of 41 seconds of footage to obtain a U/A 13+ rating, targeting what they deemed inappropriate content for the target audience.
The biggest cut involved a 33-second “sensual visual” that included two separate romantic moments between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. According to reports from Variety, these scenes included an intimate moment in Lois’s apartment and a passionate mid-air kiss following the film’s final battle.
Beyond the romantic content, censors also removed an eight-second shot featuring what they called a “foul gesture,” replacing it with a two-second alternative take. The deleted footage reportedly showed Guy Gardner’s middle-finger ring constructs, which were considered unsuitable for the intended rating, according to ComicBookMovie.
The CBFC’s decisions reflect ongoing tensions between creative expression and regulatory standards in India’s film industry. The certification guidelines recognize freedom of speech and expression, while maintaining “reasonable restrictions” based on various criteria, including “decency or morality.”
Industry professionals and audiences have expressed frustration with what they perceive as inconsistent application of censorship standards. The cuts became particularly noticeable during the film’s July 9 premiere, when attendees reportedly felt that the editing disrupted the viewing experience.
Industry Reactions Highlight Censorship Concerns
The “Superman” censorship sparked immediate backlash on social media, with entertainment industry figures voicing their concerns about the regulatory approach. Actor Shreya Dhanwanthary, known for her work on “Scam 1992” and “The Family Man,” expressed her frustration with the decision.
“If this is true, this is RIDICULOUS!!! Some ridiculous crap happens every day. Every. Damn. Day. Sure this is the least of our worries but is something done about anything else? There is some crap every day. Every. Damn. Day,” Dhanwanthary wrote in response to reports of the censorship.
Digital creator Amol Jamwal highlighted what he saw as inconsistencies in the censorship process through a pointed comparison. “You can have lewd double meaning jokes in Housefull 5. Beheadings & gory violence in Jaat Butâ¦. Superman kissing Lois Lane is where we draw the line,” he wrote on social media.
The criticism extends beyond individual reactions to broader concerns about the regulatory framework governing film content in India. Many industry observers have noted that violent content often gets more lenient treatment than romantic or intimate scenes, creating what they view as an unbalanced approach to content evaluation.
A trade source told Bollywood Hungama about the premiere experience: “At the premiere held on July 9, the attendees didn’t react well to the cut. One can feel that something has been deleted. They were also confused why a part of the kissing scene was retained while the other part was censored.”
Part of Broader Pattern Affecting Hollywood Releases
The “Superman” censorship represents part of a wider trend affecting major Hollywood releases in the Indian market. Recent films have faced similar editing requirements from the CBFC, indicating a consistent approach to adapting content for local audiences.
Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” experienced audio censorship, with the CBFC muting five terms considered inappropriate for the target rating. “Mission: Impossible â The Final Reckoning” also faced language-related cuts, demonstrating that action franchises aren’t immune to regulatory scrutiny.
Some studios have begun anticipating these requirements and implementing preemptive changes. “F1: The Movie” replaced a middle finger emoji with a fist bump gesture before submission, while “Mickey 17” underwent modifications prior to the certification process, according to Superherohype.
The current regulatory environment has become more complex following the dissolution of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal in 2021. This change eliminated a key avenue for filmmakers to challenge CBFC decisions, leaving expensive and time-consuming high court appeals as the primary recourse for disputes.
For international studios managing global release schedules, these regulatory hurdles create additional complexity in distribution planning. The need to create region-specific versions of films adds both cost and logistical challenges to worldwide rollouts.
Despite the censorship controversy, “Superman” successfully launched in Indian theaters on July 11, 2025, alongside its global release. The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Kal-El, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with supporting performances from Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and Milly Alcock.
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