The Censor Board has played an important role in regulating the type of content shown on the big screen and certifying it before release to a larger audience.
However, lately, audiences have raised several complaints about the Board’s decisions.
In the recently released Superman film directed by James Gunn, there was a 33-second kissing scene between Superman and Lois Lane.
The Censor Board deemed it too sensual and inappropriate for a U/A 13+ rating and abruptly cut the scene.
This move enraged many viewers, who took to social media to express their frustration with the CBFC.
They pointed out the hypocrisy of how films like Housefull 5 and Jaat were passed by the CBFC with a U/A certificate, meaning children can watch the films with parental guidance.
Housefull 5 was brimming with sexual jokes, problematic behavior by the male leads, and rampant objectification of women. Jaat, on the other hand, was filled with violence and gore, including beheadings.
Many questioned how the Board found such content suitable for children, yet drew the line at a kiss.
Some argued that the CBFC seems to be okay with children being exposed to murder, violence, and cheap comedy, but considers the expression of love too controversial.
The CBFC plays a crucial role in shaping what kind of media is deemed appropriate for mass audiences. Films like Housefull 5, when watched by children, normalize the idea that objectifying women is funny or acceptable when in reality, it’s not. Similarly, violent films like Jaat tend to romanticize brutality and toxic masculinity, which can also have damaging effects on society.
The conversation here isn’t about the length of the kissing scene between Superman and Lois Lane. It’s about questioning what the CBFC considers problematic and what it doesn’t.
