Move over, big-budget tentpoles—there’s a new horror darling in town, and it’s making waves for all the right (and wrong) reasons. Obsession, the independent supernatural horror film that has taken the world by storm, is now in Indian theatres. But while audiences abroad are screaming in delight, the film is making headlines here for something else entirely: censorship.
Despite receiving an A (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the board reportedly ordered the removal of 38 seconds of key footage before the film could hit Indian screens. And that too, after the film had already become a massive global success.
The Box Office Phenomenon
Obsession was made on a shoestring budget of approximately Rs 7 crore—that’s less than 1 million dollars. But what it lacked in budget, it more than made up for in scares. According to industry sources, the film has already earned nearly 100 million dollars worldwide within days of its release, making it one of the most profitable films of 2026.
The film’s success has caught everyone off guard. Trade analysts are calling it a textbook example of how word-of-mouth and social media buzz can turn a small indie into a global phenomenon. The film’s director, Curry Barker, has been praised for crafting a genuinely terrifying experience without relying on big names or flashy effects.
CBFC Steps In
When Obsession was released in India on May 29, fans were eagerly waiting to see what all the fuss was about. But reports suggest that the CBFC had other plans. Despite giving the film an A rating—which means only adults can watch it—the board still mandated cuts. Sources close to the production reveal that 38 seconds of footage were removed, specifically from key scenes that the board deemed too intense even for adult audiences.
This isn’t the first time a horror film has faced censorship in India, but it’s particularly eyebrow-raising given the film’s already restricted classification. The decision has sparked debate among cinephiles and industry insiders, with many questioning the logic of cutting content from a film that is already meant only for adults.
What Got Cut?
While the exact nature of the removed footage hasn’t been officially disclosed, reports suggest that the cuts involve some of the film’s most talked-about scares—the ones that have been making audiences scream in theatres worldwide. Given that Obsession relies heavily on suspense and jump scares, even a few seconds of missing footage could affect the viewing experience for Indian audiences.
Nevertheless, the film is now playing in Indian cinemas, and early reactions from those who have seen it suggest that the cuts haven’t entirely dulled the impact. The buzz around Obsession continues to grow, and with its global success, it’s clear that this little horror film has a lot of life left in it. Whether the CBFC’s decision will affect its Indian box office remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: everyone’s talking about Obsession.