Superman 2025 Faces Censorship in India: Kiss Scene Deleted

The upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn is generating a lot of excitement, not just for its ambitious storytelling and new cast but also due to a surprising censorship decision in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly removed a key romantic scene from the Indian theatrical version of the film. This decision has sparked considerable public reaction and online debate. Specifically, the CBFC decided to cut a 33-second mid-air kissing scene between Superman (played by David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan). They described it as “overly sensual” for a U/A rating audience. This edit, along with a few others, has surprised many moviegoers since the kiss was prominently shown in trailers and international versions of the film.

According to multiple entertainment sources, the CBFC flagged the intimate moment as too provocative, especially for younger viewers. They requested its removal to allow the film to be granted a U/A 13+ certificate. Along with the kissing scene, another brief kiss was also cut. Additionally, a few scenes were changed to mute strong language and remove an offensive hand gesture. These edits were made to meet Indian content guidelines for family-friendly films, enabling viewers under 13 to watch with parental guidance.

For many Indian fans, cutting a romantic scene from a superhero film feels unnecessary and outdated, especially given the intense action sequences, violence, and dramatic confrontations that remain untouched. Critics of the CBFC’s decision argue that this censorship shows an imbalance in how intimacy and violence are treated in film ratings in India. Graphic action is often left unedited, while even mild romance frequently faces cuts. This has led to growing frustration among film enthusiasts, many of whom have taken to social media to express their discontent and highlight what they see as double standards in censorship practices.

This backlash isn’t new. Over the years, several Hollywood films have received similar treatment in India. Movies like Spectre, Deadpool, and The Danish Girl have all had intimate scenes removed or shortened. Even James Bond films have not been spared, despite being globally recognized for their romantic elements. The CBFC, however, argues that its role is to make sure content meets Indian cultural sensitivities and audience expectations, particularly in a diverse country where moviegoers include children and conservative viewers. By enforcing these cuts, the board believes it is making the content more accessible to a wider audience.

In the case of Superman, the edit stands out because it impacts a crucial emotional moment between the two main characters. The kiss adds depth to the relationship between Superman and Lois Lane and plays a role in shaping their onscreen chemistry. Removing it may not drastically change the storyline, but it does lessen the emotional weight intended by the filmmakers. For Indian audiences, this could affect how the characters are perceived and how connected viewers feel to their central relationship.

It’s important to note that the film’s director, James Gunn, is known for focusing on character development and relationships. He often uses personal moments to humanize even the most superhuman characters. By trimming such scenes, the local version loses some of the director’s narrative intent. Fans and film critics have pointed out that Indian audiences are evolving and becoming more accepting of mature content. They question whether censorship guidelines have kept up with these changes.

Despite the edits, the film is still expected to do well at the Indian box office due to strong fan anticipation, a compelling cast, and James Gunn’s reputation. However, the censorship decision has reignited larger discussions about artistic freedom, audience maturity, and the need for updated content regulations in Indian cinema. With global streaming platforms and widespread internet access, Indian viewers are no longer unfamiliar with content that includes romance, intimacy, or complex emotions. Therefore, decisions like these often feel out of touch with contemporary viewing habits.

In conclusion, the removal of the Superman-Lois Lane kiss scene in the Indian release of Superman (2025) highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression and regulatory control in Indian cinema. While the CBFC continues to act in the name of cultural appropriateness, many believe these measures are increasingly out of step with modern audiences. Whether the removal of this scene will impact the film’s overall reception remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a new dimension to the conversation surrounding censorship, audience maturity, and the changing landscape of film consumption in India.