As the buzz around Saiyaara continues to soar, the film has now caught the attention of the censor board—and not for its songs or trailer.
After generating massive hype with its music and fresh lead pair, the romantic drama by Mohit Suri is making headlines again, but this time due to censorship.
Set to hit theatres this Friday, July 18, Saiyaara stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in a passionate love story backed by Yash Raj Films.
Directed by Mohit Suri, known for weaving intense romance with soulful music, the film has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of the month.
Saiyaara intimate scenes censorship sparks buzz as CBFC deletes 10 seconds of sensual visuals before the film’s release. Here’s what was cut and why.
Saiyaara Intimate Scenes Trimmed by CBFC
According to sources, Saiyaara was granted a U/A 16+ certificate, but not without a few modifications.
The CBFC instructed the filmmakers to cut or modify 10 seconds of “sensual, intimacy, and body exposure visuals” that appeared in the film.
While the nature of these visuals hasn’t been detailed, they reportedly involved close-contact romantic sequences between the lead actors.
In addition to the visual edits, the board also objected to some dialogue.
A total of four “objectionable” words were flagged and required to be replaced with more “suitable” alternatives.
The specific words haven’t been disclosed, but the changes were accepted by the filmmakers in order to secure the release.
The board also mandated the inclusion of a helmet safety disclaimer for scenes involving two-wheeler rides—an increasingly common requirement in recent years aimed at promoting road safety awareness.
A Pattern of Censorship?
This decision from the CBFC comes shortly after a similar incident involving the film Superman.
Just last week, Superman had to delete 33 seconds of sensual scenes, spread across two sequences, in order to obtain a U/A 13+ certificate.
That edit sparked widespread debate and even made headlines in Western media, with many questioning the increasing restrictions on romantic content in Indian films.
The Saiyaara cuts seem to follow this new pattern of cautious certification, particularly for romantic or intimate content.
While filmmakers and fans alike may debate the impact of such decisions, the CBFC appears to be taking a stricter stance on anything deemed too “sensual” for younger audiences—even with a 16+ tag.
Film Runtime and Certification
Following the recommended changes, Saiyaara has now received its censor certificate.
The final runtime clocks in at 156.50 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 50 seconds.
The length and genre indicate a classic Mohit Suri emotional ride—packed with love, heartbreak, and hit tracks.
Saiyaara Advance Bookings Already on Fire
Despite the censor hiccup, Saiyaara is headed for a massive opening.
Saiyaara Advance Bookings Already on Fire, Credit: YRF
As of Wednesday morning, advance ticket sales have crossed 45,000 in national chains, making it one of the strongest openings for debut leads in recent years.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
PVR Inox: 33,500 tickets sold
Cinepolis: 11,500 tickets sold
MovieMax: 2,059 tickets sold
These figures are only expected to grow as the weekend approaches.
The film’s pre-release buzz has been fueled by its chart-topping soundtrack and a trailer that blends passion and intensity with signature Mohit Suri aesthetics.
For a film led by newcomers, these numbers are impressive—and speak volumes about audience curiosity and excitement.
What Makes Saiyaara Stand Out?
What’s working in Saiyaara’s favor is its tried-and-tested formula: emotionally charged storytelling, soulful music, and visually engaging romance.
Add to that the new faces of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who are already making waves for their chemistry and screen presence, and you’ve got a film that audiences are lining up to experience.
Mohit Suri has a strong track record when it comes to connecting with younger audiences, and Saiyaara seems poised to continue that streak.
The controversy around the censored scenes might even amplify interest, drawing more eyes to theatres curious about what made the board uncomfortable.
Final Word
In an age where content consumption is more liberal than ever on digital platforms, censorship in cinema continues to spark debate.
While the CBFC aims to keep films in line with its content guidelines, filmmakers often find themselves at odds when creative expression is trimmed down.
Still, with or without the edited 10 seconds, Saiyaara is all set to shine this Friday.
With strong advance bookings, romantic drama fans have their eyes locked on this release—and it may very well open to double-digit numbers at the box office.
Lead Image: YRF
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