In a move that has become increasingly common for Indian films, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has passed the upcoming romantic film Param Sundari with no visual cuts, but has instructed the filmmakers to mute or replace certain words.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific changes and the context behind them:
Cuts and Mutes:
No Visual Cuts: The film, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has received a U/A 13+ certificate without any visual scenes being removed. This is notable, as the film had faced controversy earlier over a romantic scene shot inside a church, with a Christian group demanding its removal.
Verbal Mutes: However, the CBFC has instructed the makers to mute or replace specific words from the dialogues and subtitles. These words include:
‘Church’: This word was reportedly muted, likely in response to the controversy surrounding the church scene and to avoid offending religious sentiments.
‘Father’: The word “father” has been muted, which is an unusual decision.
‘Bloody’: This common English curse word has also been muted.
Subtitle Replacement: The word ‘bastard’ was also reportedly asked to be replaced with ‘idiot’ in the subtitles.
Context and Reactions:
Religious Sentiments: The decision to mute words like “church” and “father” appears to be a direct response to the prior complaints from a Christian organization, the Watchdog Foundation, which had objected to a “flirty” scene in a sacred place of worship. The organization had written to the CBFC and other authorities, demanding the scene’s removal.
Avoiding Controversy: By passing the film without any visual cuts but muting the controversial words, the CBFC seems to have attempted to navigate the situation and avoid further protests, while also preserving the film’s intended narrative.
Filmmaker’s Stance: The director and producers of Param Sundari have not yet commented on the CBFC’s instructions, but the film is set for its scheduled release on Friday, August 29, 2025.
