New Superman movie is forced to CUT two scenes after they were deemed 'overly sensual' for Indian audiences
While cinemagoers in the rest of the world saw the blockbuster in its entirety, Indian fans noticed a jarring skip.
On two occasions, as the superhero leaned in for a kiss, the film suddenly lurched forward, cutting to the aftermath of an embrace.
The film, directed by James Gunn, originally featured a 33-second scene between Superman and Lois Lane in which they are seen passionately smooching.
However, India's notoriously prudish film board, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), deemed this inappropriate for Indian audiences and subsequently cut it from the movie.
The organisation said the moment was 'too sensual' to be branded with the U/A film certification, which roughly translates to a 12A or Parental Guidance in other countries around the world.
The cuts have sparked furore from some viewers, who have accused CBFC of regressive and hypocritical censorship.
Many highlighted that the same board which removed a consensual kiss regularly permitted films that glorified violence, promoted regressive gender roles, or peddled misinformation about minority religious communities.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the cuts.
One viewer said: 'CBFC would allow horrific scenes of violence and sexual assault in a U-certified film that kids are freely allowed to watch, but won't allow consensual kissing in a U/A comic book movie that kids should watch under adult supervision.'
Another added: 'Dear Board Members of CBFC, you are a disgrace to the film industry.
'Emoji censoring was your lowest point, & today, it was kissing (not making out, just passionate/sensual kissing) in Superman that was cut.
'If movies are already made to be in ICU, you are the kill switch.'
A third wrote: 'Now watching and boy howdy the Indian censor board has embarrassed itself with the abrupt cuts they've made to the film.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the cuts
The organisation said the moment was 'too sensual' to be branded with the U/A film certification, which roughly translates to a 12A or Parental Guidance in other countries around the world
'The 'morality' of aside, the way they've managed to mangle the flow is atrocious. Awful editing job all around by the CBFC.'
It comes after Superman had a super opening weekend as the new action adventure soared to the top of the box office.
Fans of the superhero turned over some $122 million to see the new action adventure during its debut, according to The Numbers.
The action adventure starring David Corenswet at the Man of Steel earned an 82-percent critics rating and an even more enthusiastic score of 93-percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film earned another $95 million internationally, but did not do as well overseas, perhaps due to the current political climate between the United States and the rest of the world.
'Superman has always been identified as an American character, and in some parts of the world, America is currently not enjoying its greatest popularity,' David A. Gross, of the movie consulting firm FranchiseRe told Variety.
Gross praised director James Gunn for focusing on the story rather than relying on big stars to attract the audience.
'This is the original, comic book hero story about a flawed and reluctant every-man who uses his special powers to fight evil. That arc is reliable and relatable,' he said.
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