Audience members have criticized the removal of nude and violent scenes from the Hollywood horror film ‘Obsession’, questioning the purpose of an adult certification after the CBFC ordered edits before its release.

The controversy surrounding ‘Obsession’ has extended beyond its box office success. The Central Board of Film Certification's decision to trim several scenes has reignited discussions on censorship and creative freedom in India.

Hollywood horror film Obsession, directed by Curry Barker and starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, has emerged as one of the biggest international releases of 2026. Since arriving in Indian theatres on May 29, the film has drawn attention not only for its commercial success but also for the edits ordered by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which have sparked criticism among viewers.

According to the CBFC, the film was granted an ‘A’ certificate and cleared with a runtime of around one hour and 50 minutes. However, before certification, the board directed the removal of 38 seconds of footage, including scenes involving nudity, sexual activity and graphic violence.

The deleted footage reportedly comprised 24 seconds of what the board classified as extreme violence and another 14 seconds depicting sexual content. Mandatory anti-smoking, anti-tobacco and anti-liquor warnings were also inserted in accordance with existing regulations.

Fans Question the Decision

The edits prompted a wave of reactions on social media, with many moviegoers arguing that an adult-rated film should be screened in its original form. Some viewers said the cuts disrupted the narrative and affected the overall impact of the story.

Others questioned the purpose of assigning an ‘A’ certificate if scenes intended for mature audiences are still removed. The debate spread across platforms including X and Instagram, where users expressed frustration over censorship practices and argued that adults should have the choice to watch unaltered versions of films.

What is the CBFC?

The Central Board of Film Certification, functioning under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, regulates films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. No movie can be publicly exhibited in India without receiving certification from the board.

Apart from assigning categories based on age suitability, the CBFC can recommend modifications or deletions before approving theatrical releases. Such changes often relate to violence, sexual content, strong language or material considered sensitive from social or religious perspectives.

Strong Global Performance

Despite the controversy, Obsession has performed strongly at the worldwide box office. Since its international release on May 15, the film has earned more than 90 million dollars globally, including nearly 68 million dollars in North America.

Industry observers noted that the film's second weekend collections surpassed its opening weekend performance, a rare achievement attributed to positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth publicity.

Previous Hollywood Films That Faced CBFC Cuts

Several international films have previously encountered censorship issues in India. Fifty Shades of Grey never received a theatrical release after disagreements over explicit content. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was withheld after filmmaker David Fincher declined to make changes demanded by the board.

Oppenheimer underwent digital alterations before release, while films such as Deadpool 2 and Logan saw scenes involving violence and profanity trimmed. Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine was not released in India after the filmmaker refused to include mandatory anti-smoking warnings.