Superman Censored: CBFC Cuts Kiss Scene in “Superman & Lois” Sparks Global Uproar
The CBFC has censored a kiss scene in Superman & Lois, sparking global criticism over artistic freedom and India's rising censorship practices.
NewsSutra
In a move that has stirred international outrage and reignited debates about censorship, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India has reportedly censored a kiss scene between Superman and Lois Lane in the popular American television series Superman & Lois. The incident, now being widely discussed across global media platforms, has raised serious questions about India’s creative freedom standards, its cultural policy on intimacy in foreign content, and the role of censor boards in a digital-first world.
This latest act of censorship has not only drawn criticism from Indian audiences but also prompted strong responses from Hollywood stakeholders, cultural commentators, and human rights advocates around the world.
What Happened? The Scene in Question
The kiss scene in question appeared in a Season 3 episode of Superman & Lois, a DC Universe series that has been praised for its mature storytelling, compelling performances, and deep emotional narrative centered around family and responsibility. The brief and tender moment between Superman (Clark Kent) and his longtime partner Lois Lane was cut in the version reviewed and broadcasted in India after CBFC's intervention.
According to reports from Variety and Indian media outlets, the CBFC classified the scene as “gratuitous intimacy,” and suggested the removal was in line with "protecting cultural sensitivities."
While Indian regulations do allow for such editorial discretion, many have questioned whether such actions reflect a paternalistic and outdated view of what Indian audiences are capable of viewing.
Global Reaction: Outcry from Hollywood and Human Rights Bodies
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from several international film organizations. The PEN America, a non-profit defending freedom of expression, called the CBFC’s decision “a worrying example of rising cultural gatekeeping in democratic societies.” Similarly, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) commented that such censorship “erodes the global values of free artistic expression and equal cultural exchange.”
James Gunn, one of the heads at DC Studios, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and said, “Superman stands for truth and justice. Censoring love isn’t either of those things.”
Several film producers, including those behind Netflix’s The Crown and Amazon’s The Boys, have also issued veiled criticism, hinting that increased censorship in major streaming markets like India might impact future distribution strategies.
Indian Audiences React: Divide Between Modernity and Morality
Back in India, the censorship sparked intense social media debates. While many defended the CBFC's action citing Indian “cultural values,” a vast number of viewers and celebrities condemned the move as regressive and unnecessary.
Film critic Rajeev Masand tweeted, “If we can tolerate violence and corruption in our content, why does love make us so uncomfortable?”
Independent filmmakers and content creators like Anurag Kashyap and Zoya Akhtar have previously criticized CBFC’s recurring attempts to sanitize cinema under the guise of morality. This new incident adds to a growing list of controversial cuts — including scenes from Rocket Boys, Made in Heaven, and the James Bond movie Spectre.
A Pattern of Censorship: Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first time the CBFC has courted controversy. In recent years, scenes involving affection, LGBTQ+ representation, and politically sensitive content have been routinely edited or completely removed.
In 2021, the CBFC drew flak for muting the word “beef” in the Tamil film Master and trimming intimate moments from international films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Fifty Shades of Grey. In 2023, the film Oppenheimer had parts of its Bhagavad Gita reference scene edited following public uproar, despite the scene being historically grounded and contextually relevant.
Such repeated patterns raise critical concerns for stakeholders in both the entertainment and policy sectors.
Legal Loopholes and Policy Challenges
The Cinematograph Act of 1952 empowers the CBFC to regulate film content, but critics argue that its guidelines remain ambiguous and open to subjective interpretation. There is no transparent process to challenge such censorship decisions for streaming content, which is governed by a separate framework under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Experts from the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS India) argue that unless the legal language is revised to reflect digital realities, incidents like these will continue to spark controversy and uncertainty.
In a statement, CIS fellow Nikhil Pahwa said: “The CBFC was originally designed for cinema screenings. Its influence expanding to online content without accountability is a legal grey zone that needs to be addressed.”
Impact on Streaming Platforms and Creative Liberty
Streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar operate in India under a voluntary self-regulation code introduced in 2021. However, they are still vulnerable to government directives and informal pressure, especially in politically charged environments.
An industry source told The Economic Times, “The CBFC has become a shadow censor for streaming. While not legally mandated to approve shows, their recommendations carry immense weight, especially when ministries get involved.”
If trends like this continue, India risks becoming a hostile environment for international content distributors, who may begin to geo-block or release delayed versions of their shows, undermining both artistic intent and business potential.
What This Means for India’s Cultural Globalization
India is one of the fastest-growing entertainment markets globally, with a streaming user base expected to exceed 600 million by 2027. The nation's creative industry has produced globally acclaimed cinema, from RRR to The Lunchbox, and has attracted billions in international investments.
But excessive censorship can damage this momentum.
As The Wire notes in a recent editorial, “India cannot simultaneously aspire to be a global soft-power hub while undermining the very creativity that builds that power.”
The Superman kiss censorship serves as a flashpoint in this cultural tug-of-war between conservative oversight and modern expression. It forces India to ask difficult but essential questions: Who decides what the nation can watch? And should adult viewers be trusted with more agency?
Final Thoughts: Time for Transparent Reform
Censorship in India is at a crossroads. While cultural values must be respected, they should not become tools for suppressing creativity or diluting international content. If India hopes to retain its global relevance in storytelling, it must align censorship practices with democratic ideals and transparency.
As Superman & Lois continues to air worldwide in its original form, Indian audiences are left with a truncated version—one that lacks a crucial emotional beat between two iconic characters. The irony is inescapable: a superhero who stands for liberty, censored in the world’s largest democracy.
