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‘Superman’ Scenes are Censored for Being ‘Overly Sensual’

India’s film certification board is facing backlash for removing a kiss between Superman and Lois Lane.

Indian moviegoers have been left confused and frustrated after the latest Superman film hit screens minus key romantic moments. The country’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cut a 33-second sequence showing Superman and Lois Lane, played by David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, floating in the air while kissing, reported The Guardian. Although teased in the film’s trailer, the kiss was censored in India after the CBFC deemed this and one other kissing scene too “overly sensual” and demanded its removal to grant the movie a U/A certificate, the equivalent of a U.S. PG-13, according to The Hindu. Social media users slammed the CBFC over the jarring cut, especially given that Indian films often depict far more problematic behavior toward women. “So, Superman is NOT allowed to kiss Lois Lane on Indian screens. But all sleazy leading men of Indian films are allowed to pull, grope, assault, stalk, slap, and do whatever they want with their heroines,” one user posted on X. “Are you serious, Indian Censor Board?” The kiss was reportedly one of several edits required by censors before the film could be shown in India, where it premiered on July 11.