8 Censor Board vs Bollywood Showdowns That Made Headlines

From cuts and bans to riots and lawsuits, these films faced the heat like never before.

By : Kunal Kothari

Udta Punjab (2016)

CBFC demanded 89 cuts, even wanted “Punjab” removed. The makers fought back. Released with fewer edits, it became a symbol of censorship battles.

Aandhi (1975)

Allegedly based on Indira Gandhi. Banned during the Emergency. Returned to screens once the political tide shifted.

Bandit Queen (1994)

Nudity and violence led to a long ban. Shekhar Kapur fought back. The Supreme Court allowed release, uncut.

Fire (1996)

Deepa Mehta’s film on a lesbian relationship. Cleared by CBFC but attacked in theaters. Reignited the debate on freedom of expression.

Black Friday (2004)

On the 1993 Bombay blasts. CBFC refused clearance for three years. Finally released in 2007, hailed as a masterpiece.

Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017)

CBFC called it “lady oriented.” Denied certification at first. After public outrage, it finally released and became a landmark.

Heroine (2012)

Kareena’s posters with a cigarette blurred. CBFC objected to smoking and bold scenes. The film’s controversies grabbed more attention than its story.

Padmavat (2018)

Protests, bans, violent threats. Deepika Padukone in the eye of the storm. Title changed to Padmaavat before release.

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