Diljit Dosanjh's Punjab 95 was renamed as Satluj and released on ZEE5 after it was in limbo due to CBFC issue. However, the film was taken down in two days due to security concerns. Over the years, several films have either been banned or denied release due to political, religious, or security concerns. Here's a look at some of the most controversial films that never made it to Indian screens.
Updated On: 2026-07-07 03:21 PM IST
Compiled by : Aakruti Bagla
Satluj
Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj was removed citing security concerns and duties under the IT Rules 2021. The film, which explores the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Monkey Man
Dev Patel's directorial debut faced an indefinite release delay and censorship issues in India due to its politically sensitive themes. The film intertwines Hindu mythology (the story of Lord Hanuman) with a revenge plot directed at corrupt politicians, right-wing figures, and gurus who exploit the marginalized.
Santosh
The critically acclaimed film, starring Shahana Goswami, was effectively banned in India because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to its portrayal of police brutality, misogyny, and caste discrimination.
Abir Gulaal
Vaani Kapoor's film was banned from releasing in India due to the inclusion of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The ban was enforced following the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Sardaar Ji 3
The film skipped its theatrical release in India following intense public and industry backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The controversy escalated due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Paanch
Anurag Kashyap's maiden unreleased crime thriller Paanch was heavily delayed from a theatrical release in India because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to its graphic violence, depictions of drug use, and abusive language.
Kissa Kursi Ka
This political satire was banned during the Emergency for mocking the Indira Gandhi government. Its master print and copies were confiscated and destroyed, making it one of India's most infamous censorship cases.
Human Centipede 2
The sequel was never officially released or screened in India because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to certify it. The film's extreme graphic violence, sexual violence, and shocking body horror violated Indian censorship laws.
Unfreedom
Unfreedom was banned from theatrical release in India after the Central Board of Film Certification refused to certify it. The board objected to its portrayal of a same-sex relationship, nudity, and a parallel storyline involving religious extremism, stating that the film could incite "unnatural passions" and communal tensions.
Hava Aney Dey
Partho Sen Gupta's 2004 film Hava Aney Dey (Let the Wind Blow) was never commercially released in India because the director refused to accept extensive cuts demanded by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Sins
Sins, directed by Vinod Pande, faced severe backlash and temporary hurdles because it depicted a controversial sexual relationship between a Catholic priest and a much younger woman.
