James Gunn’s new Superman film has stormed the global box office, earning over $200 million in its opening weekend and more than $4 million in India alone within the first four days. But despite its impressive success, what’s generating heated debate in India is not just its earnings but the surprising censorship decision by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The CBFC removed a couple of kissing scenes between David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who play Superman and Lois Lane, muting curse words and trimming a 33-second kiss to only a few seconds. This decision has triggered strong reactions both within India and abroad.
After the cuts became public, American fans and media outlets quickly picked up on the story. Entertainment Weekly’s coverage titled ‘Indian film board cuts Superman kissing scene after deeming them too sensual’ drew hundreds of incredulous comments from US audiences. Many Americans expressed shock, given India’s historical connection to the Kama Sutra. One comment mockingly asked, “Didn’t they write the Kama Sutra?” while another noted ironically, “1.4 billion Indians. I’m pretty sure they know about the birds and bees.”
Some viewers pointed out the perceived double standard where graphic violence often passes uncut but consensual intimacy faces censorship. “Violence in Indian films ok, consensual kissing nope,” one critic wrote, highlighting what they see as a regressive mindset. Indian fans also weighed in, encouraging international viewers to shame the censor board for what they called its outdated approach, hoping global criticism might force change.
Superman, directed by James Gunn, is the first film in his new DC Universe vision and stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, alongside Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. Despite the censorship controversy, the film continues to draw strong box office numbers and positive reviews from critics around the world.