Viewers in India who went with great excitement to see Superman in theatres were met with disappointment when they discovered that kissing scenes had been chopped from the film, thanks to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Social media was flooded with users complaining. NMany fans even called out the CBFC and questioned the logic behind cutting what appeared to be standard romantic moments. They accused CBFC of lacking the maturity to show a simple kiss on screen, especially in a global release like Superman.
CBFC removes kiss scene from Superman
Directed by James Gunn, Superman was released worldwide on July 11, marking the beginning of a new DC Universe. David Corenswet stepped into the role of Clark Kent for the first time, while Rachel Brosnahan played Lois Lane. Despite India enjoying a same-day release, the version shown on Indian screens differs from the international cut. It is believed that CBFC made multiple edits, including trimming a 33-second kiss between the leading pair, David and Rachel.
According to a Bollywood Hungama report, the CBFC opposed what it being described as a “sensual visual”. Subsequently, they asked for the scene to be shortened. Sources claim that the makers agreed to the cuts since they were eyeing a UA certification.
In India, this is watchable for the audience acc. to the censor board but Superman kissing Lois Lane is too “sensual” and has to be cut. #Superman pic.twitter.com/etI0zcIYvz
— Nandan (@__nndn__) July 12, 2025
One of the edits is during a moment early in the film wherein the two leads first share the screen. Naturally, the cut that has attracted the major backlash is a sequence of Superman and Lois kissing while floating in the air. Interestingly, that scene still appears in the trailer; however, it has been almost entirely removed in the Indian version.
Disappointed, one user on X wrote “So, in India we won’t see Superman kiss Lois Lane in the new #SupermanMovie! Why? Because our censor board cut the scene! Some warped notion of social morality, this! This is a sweet love story, for heavens sake!!If you think dirty, you see dirty!!”
Other censored scenes
In addition to chopping off the romantic scene, the CBFC also muted several curse words throughout the film. The decisions of the CBFC have now reignited the criticisms that the board has been receiving for its inconsistent standards, especially with regard to international films. The Superman kissing controversy comes soon after the CBFC was recently slammed for altering a middle finger emoji in F1, starring Brad Pitt, and changing it to a fist emoji, which many believed altered the intended meaning.
Notably, censorship of Hollywood films in India has long been a point of contention. Many viewers opine that such edits dilute the original vision of the filmmakers. Nevertheless, Gunn’s latest Superman has been welcomed with positive reviews globally, as critics are praising its hopeful tone and fresh take on the iconic superhero.
