Overview

• On July 7, CBFC approved 'Superman' for a U/A (13+) certificate only after removing two kiss scenes totaling 33 seconds and an eight-second middle-finger gesture deemed overly sensual.
• Cinema-goers noticed jarring skips when the film opened on July 11, prompting confusion and widespread social media condemnation of the editing.
• Critics point out that the board frequently allows graphic violence and misogynistic depictions in U-certified films yet censors consensual intimacy in a U/A release.
• Since the 2021 dissolution of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, filmmakers can only challenge CBFC decisions by petitioning high courts, a process seen as time-consuming and costly.
• No policy updates or formal responses have been issued by the CBFC as industry figures and fans call for clear certification criteria, institutional reform, and a reinstated appeals body.