Spectre (2015)
Spectre became one of the CBFC’s most controversial censorship cases after they ordered a substantial reduction in a kissing scene between James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux). A kiss lasting about 40 seconds was reportedly cut to around 22 seconds, with the CBFC applying an informal guideline that kisses should not exceed a certain duration.
Superman (2025)
The CBFC ordered the removal or substantial trimming of two kissing scenes between Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) in Superman, including a prolonged mid-air kiss lasting around 33 seconds. The CBFC reportedly described the sequences as “overly sensual visual references” before granting the film a UA 13+ certificate.
Oppenheimer (2023)
The CBFC did not remove kissing scenes from Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer but it modified several intimate sequences for Indian audiences. During scenes featuring J Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), nudity was digitally obscured using CGI black clothing and other visual alterations. The kissing, however, remained largely intact.
Deadpool (2016)
Because of its explicit sexual humour, violence, and profanity, Deadpool underwent several CBFC-mandated edits before its Indian release. Among the required changes were reductions to intimate and kissing moments considered excessively sexual, alongside the muting or removal of profane dialogue and graphic visuals. The film received an A-certificate.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
David Fincher’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo faced extensive CBFC intervention because of its explicit sexual content, nudity and scenes involving violence and assault. Several intimate sequences, including kissing and sexual encounters, were either shortened or removed to meet Indian certification requirements.
Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
Fifty Shades Of Grey encountered one of the CBFC’s toughest responses to a Hollywood release. Owing to its strong sexual themes, prolonged kissing, nudity and BDSM content, the board reportedly sought extensive cuts before certification. Rather than accept the required edits, Universal Pictures chose not to release the film theatrically in India.
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
The romantic drama Love & Other Drugs, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway, featured numerous intimate scenes involving kissing, nudity and sexual relationships. For its Indian release, the CBFC reportedly ordered reductions to several romantic and bedroom sequences to satisfy certification guidelines. Some kissing and lovemaking scenes were shortened, while other explicit visuals were removed.
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2014)
Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf Of Wall Street was released in India only after numerous CBFC-mandated edits. Several kissing, intimate, and sexually explicit scenes were shortened or deleted, alongside reductions to nudity, drug use, and strong language. Reports suggested that dozens of visual and verbal changes were required before certification.
Black Swan (2010)
Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan attracted CBFC scrutiny because of its psychological themes, nudity and sexual content. The board reportedly ordered cuts to intimate scenes, including the much-discussed kiss and sexual encounter involving Nina (Natalie Portman) and Lily (Mila Kunis), before allowing theatrical release in India. Other explicit visuals were also shortened or removed.
Blue Valentine (2010)
The CBFC required cuts to Blue Valentine because of its frank portrayal of adult intimacy. Romantic and sexual scenes, including prolonged kissing and other intimate moments between the lead characters (Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams), were reportedly shortened before the film was approved for exhibition. The board considered certain sequences too explicit for theatrical release in their original form.
