CBFC Surprises Industry: Clears ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, ‘Haunted’, and ‘Backrooms’ with ZERO Cuts

After facing intense backlash over the last two weeks for heavy-handed censorship on films like Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, Bandar, and the heavily debated Obsession, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sprung a pleasant surprise. This week, the board completely changed its tune by passing three highly anticipated upcoming films without demanding a single audio or visual cut.

The first film to benefit from this sudden shift is the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata. Despite being a gritty thriller based on the harrowing 26/11 terror attacks, the movie bypassed the censor scissors entirely. The Examining Committee deemed its violent thriller elements appropriate for audiences, granting it a U/A 16+ rating on May 29 with a final runtime of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 13 seconds.

Next up is Vikram Bhatt’s return to the 3D horror space, Haunted – Echoes Of The Past, starring Mimoh Chakraborty. While ‘A’ rated horror films are typically subjected to heavy cuts for intimacy or gore, this project defied all expectations. It secured a clean ‘A’ rating on June 9 with zero audio or video alterations, clocking in at a full 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 54 seconds.

Rounding out the streak is the Hollywood sci-fi psychological horror sensation, Backrooms. The sleeper blockbuster was granted an uncut ‘A’ rating on June 8, with a total runtime of 1 hour, 50 minutes, and 54 seconds.

However, industry insiders are urging moviegoers to hold their celebrations regarding Backrooms. Following the recent social media uproar over Obsession, there is heavy speculation that the Hollywood studio may have voluntarily self-censored or blurred disturbing sequences before even submitting the film to the CBFC. Still, a weekend of zero-cut cinema marks a massive and unexpected win for movie lovers.