Superman Fans Hit Back at Censorship as Key Scenes Removed From DC’s Reboot

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As a diehard Superman fan, even I was taken aback when I learned that the invincible Man of Steel isn’t immune to censorship challenges. The groundbreaking first installment of the revamped DC Universe, titled simply “Superman,” has become the number one movie worldwide, raking in an estimated $220 million in its global opening weekend. Yet, it’s facing a wave of criticism from conservative circles in the US, and reports suggest that India’s Central Board of Film Certification is making edits to James Gunn’s Superman film – a surprising move in the 7th largest country on our planet.

In the United States, the movie Superman, rated PG-13 for “violence, action, and language,” is comparable to the Indian UA 13+ rating. However, unlike the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA), India’s film certification system categorizes movies based on “U” (suitable for all ages), “A” (restricted to adults), “UA” (suitable for general viewing but parents are advised to guide children under 12), and “S” (restricted to specific audiences like doctors or scientists). Notably, India edits or removes scenes entirely from the film.

Check it out up there… The number one position goes to #Superman, as it has claimed the record for the biggest opening weekend for a DC film in India! Now showing in cinemas in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Available in 3D & IMAX 3D, as well as 2D. Don’t forget to reserve your seat!

— Warner Bros. India (@WarnerBrosIndia) July 14, 2025

It’s said that a modified version of Superman is being shown in India, where two kissing scenes between Superman (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) have been removed. These scenes occur at Lois’ apartment early on in the film and one towards its conclusion. Both of these romantic moments were previewed in the film’s trailers.

It’s been noted by social media users that certain scenes were edited out from the Green Lantern movie. Specifically, a scene where Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) creates a large hand gesture often associated with disrespect during combat with Boravian forces was removed. Additionally, a scene containing a character using a derogatory term for a woman was altered or censored.

The user tweeted: ‘Watched Superman. They edited out – two kissing scenes, the Green Lantern giving the middle finger, and the use of ‘bitch’ at the end of the movie.’ The tweet then questions why the Indian Censor Board can’t handle such content, but allows overly sexualized songs in Indian family films that objectify women.

1. In a tweet, it was stated that Superman can’t kiss Lois Lane because certain kissing scenes were removed by the Censor Board of India. Another user criticized the board, saying they are overly concerned with morality in films while streaming content doesn’t seem to have any such restrictions. A different fan commented on the poor editing job done by the CBFC following the abrupt cuts made to the film, claiming it has ruined the flow and overall quality of the movie.

2. The first tweet mentioned that Superman can’t kiss Lois Lane due to the elimination of some kissing scenes by the Censor Board of India. Another user criticized this censorship, saying the board is overly preoccupied with morality in films but not so much with streaming content. A different fan commented on the poor editing job done by the CBFC following the abrupt cuts made to the film, claiming it has disrupted the flow and overall quality of the movie.

3. The initial tweet conveyed that Superman can’t kiss Lois Lane as certain kissing scenes were deleted by the Censor Board of India. Another user criticized this censorship, saying the board is overly focused on morality in films while streaming content does not appear to have such limitations. A different fan expressed their dissatisfaction with the editing job done by the CBFC after abrupt cuts were made to the film, stating that it has negatively impacted the flow and overall quality of the movie.

4. The first tweet implied that Superman can’t kiss Lois Lane because some kissing scenes were taken out by the Censor Board of India. Another user criticized this censorship, saying the board is excessively concerned with morality in films but not with streaming content. A different fan commented on the poor editing job done by the CBFC following the abrupt cuts made to the film, claiming it has spoiled the flow and overall quality of the movie.

5. The initial tweet suggested that Superman can’t kiss Lois Lane due to the removal of some kissing scenes by the Censor Board of India. Another user criticized this censorship, saying the board is overly concerned with morality in films while streaming content does not appear to have such constraints. A different fan commented on the poor editing job done by the CBFC following the abrupt cuts made to the film, stating that it has disrupted the flow and overall quality of the movie.

According to the CBFC’s website, film certification serves the public good by reviewing movies before they are released for viewing. Unlike written content, there was a need for movie certification because of the significant impact that visual and audio media can have on people, especially children, who may be more vulnerable to its influence. The CBFC also explains that this process involves deciding whether or not a specific film should be shown publicly, or if it requires certain cuts or adjustments before being released, or simply labeling the films appropriately. Additionally, this process is intended to protect children from viewing psychologically harmful content.

The Examining Committee evaluates the movie and suggests possible edits like cuts or changes, along with the appropriate rating the film should receive. Following the guidelines set by the CBFC, the recommendations include avoiding the glorification or justification of anti-social activities like violence, minimizing sexual content if it’s relevant to the theme, and ensuring the movie doesn’t contain vulgarity, obscenity, or depravity that might offend general audience sensibilities.

DC Studios’ Superman is now playing only in theaters.

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2025-07-14 20:10