Baaghi 4, the latest chapter in Tiger Shroff’s high-octane action franchise, secured an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), but only after a staggering 23 visual and audio cuts, ahead of its September 5 global release. Directed by A Harsha in his Bollywood debut and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film, shot in Mumbai and Rajasthan, stars Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Sonam Bajwa, and Harnaaz Sandhu. Touted as the “bloodiest Baaghi yet,” its violent trailer and provocative content sparked heated debates among India’s 467 million social media users.
A Franchise Pushed to Extremes
Baaghi 4, carrying the tagline “Har aashiq villain hota hai,” dives deeper into gritty action than its predecessors, with Shroff’s character navigating a world of betrayal and gore. The CBFC’s Examining Committee slashed scenes deemed too graphic, including a frontal nude sequence, a character standing on a coffin, and Sanjay Dutt lighting a cigarette with an amputated hand in the song Yeh Mera Husn. Religious sensitivities were also targeted: a one-second shot of a cigarette lit from a niranjan diya (prayer lamp) and a knife thrown at a Jesus Christ statue were axed, alongside a fist-hit causing the statue to lean. Violent sequences—three throat-slittings, hand-choppings, sword killings, an 11-second brutal stretch, and a sword piercing a skull—were deleted, per reports.
Audio Edits and Moral Tightrope
The CBFC muted or replaced explicit dialogues to curb offensive language. The word “condom” was silenced in “Bhai tujhe condom mein hi rehna chahiye tha,” while “fingering” and “b****e” (used by cops) were swapped for milder terms. The line “Tera wajood hi mit jaayega God” became “Sab dekhte reh jayenge,” and “Woh bhi darta hai mujhse” was removed entirely. Initially 163.5 minutes (2 hours, 43 minutes, 50 seconds), the film was voluntarily trimmed by 6 minutes, 45 seconds across 19 scenes on August 29, resulting in a 157.05-minute runtime, aligning with trends seen in War 2 and The Bengal Files.
Human Stakes and Fan Backlash
Shroff, known for family-friendly action, takes a bold leap into adult territory, a shift he called “a new challenge” on Instagram, thanking fans for the franchise’s journey. However, the CBFC’s heavy hand sparked outrage on X, with users arguing, “If it’s an ‘A’ certificate, why cut anything? Let audiences decide!”
A Reflection on Censorship
Baaghi 4’s cuts raise questions: Is the CBFC overreaching, even for adult-rated films? India’s diverse audience, spanning 780 languages, grapples with balancing creative freedom and cultural sensitivities. As the film vies with The Bengal Files and Conjuring Last Rites at the box office, its ₹2.81 crore opening day advance (excluding blocks) suggests a slow start. Can Shroff’s high-flying stunts and Dutt’s menacing villainy overcome censorship’s shadow? In a ₹101 billion industry, Baaghi 4 tests whether bold risks can still captivate a polarized nation.
-By Manoj H