Ahaan Panday’s debut film, ‘Saiyaara,’ is facing significant cuts from the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC), sparking outrage online, especially after similar censorship on the Hollywood film ‘Superman.’
CBFC Directives for ‘Saiyaara’
Mohit Suri’s romantic musical drama, ‘Saiyaara,’ starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has received a U/A certificate from the CBFC. However, this approval comes with several conditions, including notable content alterations.
According to reports, the censor board has mandated the deletion of ten seconds of “sensual, intimate, body exposure visuals.” Additionally, four different scenes required changes, with “objectionable” words being replaced by more “appropriate” ones. The film’s final runtime will be 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 50 seconds.
Beyond content cuts, the makers were also instructed to add a disclaimer about helmet safety for any sequences involving two-wheeler vehicles.
A Growing Trend: From ‘Superman’ to ‘Saiyaara’
This stringent censorship of ‘Saiyaara’ follows closely on the heels of another high-profile case involving Hollywood’s ‘Superman.’ India’s censor board had previously removed a kissing scene between actors David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan from the superhero film.
The repeated actions by the CBFC on intimate or “sensual” scenes in both domestic and international releases are becoming a point of contention for audiences.
Netizens React: A Call for Vanga’s Intervention
The news of ‘Saiyaara’s cuts has not gone down well with social media users. Many have taken to platforms like Reddit to voice their displeasure, criticizing what they call a “Sanskari Censor Board” (a reference to being overly traditional or moralistic).
A significant number of comments have sarcastically called for filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga to intervene. Vanga, known for his raw and often controversial film narratives, is seen by some as a figure who would challenge the CBFC’s decisions. Phrases like “Vanga for CBFC chairman” and “We will witness Sandeep Reddy Vanga vs Censor Board soon” are circulating online.
Users also highlighted perceived hypocrisy, pointing out that films like Akshay Kumar’s ‘Housefull 5’ reportedly received a U/A certificate despite containing “crass jokes and kissing scenes,” according to some netizens.
About ‘Saiyaara’
Presented by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri, ‘Saiyaara’ is a romantic musical that marks the debut of Ahaan Panday alongside Aneet Padda. The film features a diverse musical score from composers like Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, and Vishal Mishra, among others.
Despite the pre-release censorship issues, the film is set to hit theaters on July 18th. Early reports indicate promising advance bookings, suggesting audience anticipation remains high for this new Bollywood offering.
- The CBFC has ordered cuts for 10 seconds of “sensual, intimate, body exposure visuals” in ‘Saiyaara.’
- Objectionable words in four scenes were replaced, and a helmet safety disclaimer was added.
- This decision comes shortly after a kissing scene was cut from the Hollywood film ‘Superman.’
- Netizens are expressing strong disapproval, calling for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga to challenge the CBFC.
- The film, a romantic musical directed by Mohit Suri, stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.
As ‘Saiyaara’ prepares for its theatrical release, the debate around film censorship in India continues to gain momentum, fueled by public reaction and comparisons to past decisions.
