India Removes ‘Overly Sensual’ Superman Kiss Scenes From Theatrical Cut
Oh, fantastic. Another example of overcautious film cuts. The Central Board of Film Certification in India has ordered two sympathetic kiss sequences between Henry Cavill’s Superman and Amy Adams’s Lois Lane to be censored for being “overly sensual,” according to the New York Post. This follows the board’s recent guidelines aimed at restricting intimate content in overseas blockbusters.
In the original cut, viewers experience two notable lip locks: the first arises during a midnight rescue when Lois Lane climbs into the Fortress of Solitude, and the second underscores a triumphant finale as the Man of Steel reassures his love interest after thwarting a major threat. Both scenes convey genuine affection and character depth, but CBFC officials argued they crossed a line of decency. A chairman of the board told India Today that these moments violated Section 5 of the Censorship Code, which prohibits “gratuitous sensuality” in any film rated U/A. Neither scene impacts the narrative arc substantially, but fans say the cuts create awkward jumps and pull emotional weight out of key scenes.
Social media users quickly noticed the edits. One Twitter follower complained that trimming affectionate gestures in Superman makes him look like a reserved hero who hugs but never truly shows love. Another fan on Reddit quipped that India’s Superman might as well be a silent protagonist if he cannot even kiss freely. Film bloggers at Film Companion called the cuts “a curious step back for a market that once embraced romance in histrionic Bollywood style.” Despite the backlash, some viewers have defended the board, arguing that India still maintains a conservative public appetite for on-screen intimacy.
Historically, Indian censorship has clipped or blurred many Hollywood kiss scenes, from Twilight’s more passionate embraces to Spider-Man’s skyline smooch, in an effort to respect cultural sensibilities. Bollywood itself saw a crackdown in the 2010s when on-screen kisses sparked political debates. But as audiences become more global, critics say these conservative stances feel outdated and jar the experience.
Meanwhile, Superman’s global box office continues to soar. The film has recouped over half a billion dollars worldwide, with critics praising its storytelling and performances. Several film scholars suggest that India’s trimmed theatrical version may even drive more viewers to premium streaming platforms, where uncensored director’s cuts are expected to appear later this year.
And just like that, Superman’s greatest kryptonite may not be Lex Luthor but a boardroom full of prudish censors. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, India Today
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
