If you’re going to watch the latest Spider-Man film titled Brand New Day in an Indian theatre, you’ll be able to watch Spidey fight ninja warriors, swing through scarily high skyscrapers and even take devastating punches from the mighty Hulk. But you know what you won’t be able to see him do? Kiss Mary Jane for more than 8 seconds.

Yes, our trusted uncles and aunties of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) are at it again. An eight-second sequence found to be “a titillating sensual act” was excised from the film. It isn’t the first time that the good people at the CBFC have reminded superpowered men in tights that their primary job is fighting crime and not locking lips for extended periods of time. In July 2025, when Superman came flying onto our movie screens, two of his kissing scenes with love interest Lois Lane, which clocked in at a whopping 33 seconds, were sternly snipped by our censors.

I often feel that audiences who choose to willingly watch Hollywood films in India are subjected to playing a game of “spot the modification”.

Said........

© Indian Express