Nicole Kidman's 'Babygirl' CENSORED in India; CBFC deletes intimate scenes and nudity from 'A' rated film

Halina Reijn’s much-anticipated erotic drama Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, and Antonio Banderas, is finally set to release in Indian cinemas, but not without cuts.

Indian audiences will not get to see the film in its original form, as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has made significant cuts before granting it an ‘A’ certificate.

According to the CBFC’s certificate, a total of 3 minutes and 36 seconds has been removed from the film. This includes a 1-minute-34-second intimate scene featuring "jerking action and frontal nudity," which was significantly trimmed. Additionally, a 1-minute-35-second masturbation scene was cut, with censors removing "all flashes of it whenever it appeared". A further 25 seconds of nudity was also axed from the film.

Apart from visuals, cuss words have also been axed from the film, while anti-smoking and anti-alcohol warnings have been added.

Despite receiving critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and deeply layered exploration of power, desire, and self-discovery, 'Babygirl' has faced alterations to align with Indian censorship guidelines.

The film follows Romy, a high-powered CEO, played by Nicole, whose controlled life unravels as she embarks on a passionate and unconventional affair with her much younger intern, portrayed by Harris. Through their intense and shifting power dynamics, the film reportedly examines themes of love, control, and female sexuality in a contemporary world.

While international audiences have been able to view the film in its unaltered form, Indian moviegoers will get a chance to watch the film on the big screen this Friday, February 21.

Just last month, the CBFC cut short a kissing scene between Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde in their film 'Deva'. Previously, 27 seconds of a smooch was cut in the Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri starrer 'Bad Newz'.