Superman's Kiss Censored: India's Film Board Faces Backlash
Sensational Censorship: India's Film Board Cuts Out the Passion from Superman Movie
In a move that has left fans of the iconic superhero stunned, India's notoriously prudish film certification board, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has butchered two scenes from the new Superman movie, deeming them "too sensual" for Indian audiences. While cinemagoers around the world got to enjoy the full, swoon-worthy moments between Superman and Lois Lane, viewers in India were left wondering what was going on as the film suddenly skipped over the romantic interludes.
The 33-second smooching scene between the dynamic duo, which had fans of the Man of Steel around the world cheering, was deemed "inappropriate" by the CBFC. The organization's decision has sparked outrage among moviegoers who are crying foul over what they see as regressive and hypocritical censorship.
"It's like they're trying to sanitize the film for Indian audiences," says a disgruntled viewer on social media. "I mean, come on! We're adults here, not kids in a nursery school playground!"
But this isn't the first time India's film board has raised eyebrows with its draconian decision-making. In 2015, it sparked fury after ordering that kissing scenes in James Bond movie 'Spectre' be shortened by 50%. Yes, you read that right - 50% of the kisses were cut out! The decision was met with widespread ridicule on social media, with many calling out the CBFC's prudishness.
The latest controversy has once again put the spotlight on India's conservative attitudes towards public displays of affection. Kissing scenes are regularly censored in films and TV shows in the country, as is any form of intimate contact between the sexes. It's a far cry from the progressive attitudes towards relationships that prevail in many Western countries.
But what about violence? Does the CBFC have a double standard when it comes to graphic content? A quick glance at some of the films certified by the board reveals a stark contrast between the treatment of romantic scenes and those that depict violence. Take, for example, the film 'Dangal', which featured a number of violent scenes involving wrestling and physical abuse. The CBFC gave it a clean bill of health, with nary a complaint about the graphic content.
It seems that when it comes to matters of the heart, the Indian film board is far more prudish than when it comes to matters of violence. "It's like they're trying to protect us from our own emotions," says another frustrated viewer. "Newsflash: we can handle a little bit of kissing and romance!"
The controversy has also sparked debate about the CBFC's role in shaping Indian culture. Shouldn't adults be trusted to make their own decisions about what they want to watch? Or is the board trying to impose its own moral standards on the nation?
As the debate rages on, fans are left wondering: will Superman ever get his due in India? Will the Man of Steel's romantic entanglements with Lois Lane ever be allowed to flourish in all their glory? Only time - and a change in the CBFC's policies - will tell.
Sources: The Scholarly Note.com
