Despite A rating, censor board cuts 38 seconds from Obsession, horror fans angry
There was a wave of passion in Indian cinemas after CBFC removed 38 seconds of footage despite it having an A certificate. The cuts sparked criticism online from viewers, who said key plot elements were affected.
curry barker horror movie Passion It finally reached Indian theaters on May 29, but the conversation surrounding its release quickly shifted from fear to censorship. Despite receiving an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film was released after 38 seconds of extremely violent footage, and sex scenes, were removed.
What changes have been made in CBFC? Passion?
The cut has been criticized by viewers, many of whom took to social media to question why an adult-only film was edited. Many users argued that the deleted footage affected key moments of the narrative and weakened the intended viewing experience.
As per CBFC certificate, Passion Its approved runtime is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. Certification details show that mandatory anti-smoking and anti-tobacco health spots were inserted, while statutory warnings regarding smoking and alcohol consumption were placed at relevant scenes.
However, the most significant changes included the removal of material deemed inappropriate by the board. The CBFC ordered 24 seconds of “extreme violence” to be reduced and 14 seconds depicting “graphic sexual activity” to be completely removed, bringing the total footage produced to 38 seconds. A nudity scene was also removed before the film was approved for release.
See the changes here:
Fans react to changes in censor board
Soon after the film opened in theaters, audiences expressed their disappointment online.
An ex user wrote, “What’s wrong with CBFC? CBFC has shortened the footage to 38 seconds.” Passion And it was given ‘A’ certificate. What’s the point of giving an ‘A’ certificate if you have to trim and mute the sequences? first with supermanwith again stalwart franchise and now together Passion. CBFC considers adults too immature to watch horror in a packed theatre. Too much interference (sic).”
Another user questioned the purpose of adult authentication. “I liked Passion. By the climax, it has one of the most shocking CBFC cuts I have seen in a film that completely resets the characters and leaves you wondering what just happened (sic),’ the post reads.
The criticism also spread to Instagram. One user commented, ‘I have stopped watching movies and spending on OTT subscriptions for this reason.’ Another wrote, “So there are things that even adults can’t see? Then who is qualified to see these scenes? Aliens?”
Many viewers also claimed that the deleted portions were central to the film’s story and were widely discussed after its release overseas. “They censored the whole point of the movie?” One Instagram user commented.
See the reactions here:
India Today Review Passion
Bhavna Agarwal’s India Today gave the horror film its highest rating, calling it “psychological horror that’s impossible to look away from”. Part of the review reads, “The horror comes not from the supernatural object but from the terrifying possession that lies beneath the bear’s desire. Because the film cleverly asks a difficult question: How different is passion from love when possession becomes the goal itself?”
Read the full review here.
Passion Starring Andy Navarrete, Cooper Tomlinson and Michael Johnston. Directed by Currie Barker, the supernatural horror-thriller revolves around a socially awkward music store employee whose desperate desire to win over her longtime crush takes a sinister turn.
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