The CBFC Cuts Controversy
The recently released Hollywood film Obsession is setting the box office on fire, but not everyone is happy. Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), is buzzing with anger after it came to light that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered cuts in two crucial scenes. Fans are furious, directing their frustration at the studio, Universal Pictures, questioning why they didn’t fight harder for an uncut release. After all, the film received its censor certificate a full 25 days before the release date, giving the studio ample time to challenge the decision.
But according to a trade expert who spoke exclusively to Cinecrazy, the situation is far from simple. “Universal Pictures did try their best to get the film cleared without any cuts, especially since it was already rated ‘A’,” the source reveals. “However, the Examining Committee had strong reservations about the sexual and violent content, believing it was not suitable for Indian audiences.” The studio faced a tough choice: accept the cuts or take the longer route of approaching the Revising Committee.
Why The Studio Accepted The Cuts
Producers and distributors unhappy with the EC’s decision can appeal to the Revising Committee. But that process comes with its own risks. “If one approaches the RC, there’s always a possibility of a long wait,” an insider explains. “That could have delayed Obsession’s release even further. And even after that wait, there was no guarantee the RC would overturn the cuts. They might have upheld the original decision.”
Industry insiders say such tough calls are common in Bollywood and Hollywood alike. “Fans should realize that production houses want to release films without cuts just as much as they do,” a source close to the production remarks. “Nobody gets a kick out of cutting scenes. But sometimes you have to be practical. Last year, the Superman film faced a similar controversy over kissing scenes. In that case, the makers accepted cuts so the film could reach a wider family audience, since Superman is beloved by kids. For Obsession, thankfully, the cuts don’t drastically affect the overall experience. It still packs a punch in theatres with a huge crowd response.”
OTT Uncut Version: A Myth Busted
Meanwhile, a rumour has been swirling online that Obsession will drop on OTT on June 2, and that the streaming version will be uncut. Many fans have been advising others to skip the theatrical release and wait for the supposed uncensored digital premiere. But that’s completely false, say industry sources.
“Obsession will not release on OTT on June 2,” a source confirms. “And even when it does arrive on streaming, Indian audiences will get to see the exact same version that is playing in cinemas. As per current regulations, streaming platforms are not allowed to release an uncensored version of a film that has already been certified and released theatrically in India. So that dream of an uncut OTT edition is just not happening.”
So if you want to catch Obsession in all its glory (with the CBFC-approved edits), the only way is to head to the nearest theatre. The film is running successfully and drawing crowds, proving that even with a few cuts, the obsession with this film remains strong.