The new Superman movie has arrived with a bang – but Indian audiences are missing key moments that fans elsewhere are seeing in full.
The eagerly awaited reboot of the franchise, overseen by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, has been a hit with audiences. Still, fans in India are questioning the censorship of the version released in their country.
Two romantic scenes between Superman and Lois Lane have been cut from the film’s release in India, prompting backlash and reigniting debates around censorship in the country.
The cuts, ordered by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), involve brief but intimate moments where the superhero leans in to kiss Lois Lane.
Viewers in India reported that both scenes were abruptly skipped, with the film jumping straight from a romantic setup to the post-embrace aftermath.
The omitted footage, which is approximately 33 seconds in total, reportedly included a passionate mid-air kiss between the pair.
The film (which currently boasts 85% on Rotten Tomatoes) has otherwise been released in full around the world, where these romantic moments have stirred little controversy.
But in India, the CBFC determined the scenes were ‘too sensual’ to meet the standards for a U/A certificate – the country’s equivalent of a 12A or PG rating.
The move has angered many fans, who took to social media to vent their frustration.
Critics argue that the CBFC’s decision reflects a double standard, pointing out that far more problematic content is regularly allowed to pass through unchecked.
‘Indian censorship is getting more and more ridiculous man,’ wrote one X user, @true_Greensaint.
Another, @StanReinhardt, added: ‘That’s where you draw the line? 😅😅’
Others questioned the hypocrisy of allowing violent or regressive content while censoring consensual intimacy.
#So, Superman is NOT allowed to kiss Lois Lane on Indian screens,’ wrote @akhila_menon. ‘But all sleazy leading men of Indian films are allowed to pull, grope, assault, stalk, slap, and do whatever they want with their heroines. Are you serious, Indian Censor Board?’
The CBFC has long been criticised for its conservative stance on kissing, sexuality, and other so-called ‘bold’ content, often citing ‘cultural sensitivities’ as justification.
But for many younger, urban audiences, the decision to censor Superman’s kiss feels outdated and increasingly out of touch with reality.
As the debate rages on, Indian fans will have to settle for a slightly less romantic version of the Man of Steel.
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