Censorship – The Arts

The controversial film The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is once again in the news. The film is facing legal hurdles and rigorous censorship procedures even before its release. Although the film has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A 16+ rating, this approval is not without conditions. The Censor Board, given the film’s sensitivity, demanded several significant changes and cuts before giving it the green light.

According to a recent report by Bollywood Hungama, the CBFC has ordered approximately 16 cuts or alterations to the film. The Board has edited the film’s most disturbing scenes, reducing a rape scene by 20 seconds and a lip-lock scene by 7 seconds. Overall, kissing scenes and sexual violence in the film have been reduced by 50%. Scenes depicting physical violence against women, such as slapping or headbutting, have also been shortened to balance the film’s intensity.