25 September,2026 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Robert Pattinson in Primetime. Pic via IMDb
Robert Pattinson's film Primetime has landed in the spotlight ahead of its India release, but not only because of its subject or star cast. The film has drawn criticism online after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for multiple changes before granting it an 'A' certificate.
The censoring of scenes and language has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with some viewers questioning why cuts were required for a film that has already been classified for adult audiences.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the censor process for Primetime was completed on September 22, three days before its scheduled release in India. According to the censor details, the CBFC cleared the film with an 'A' certificate but asked for several modifications.
Among the changes was the removal of seven seconds of frontal nudity. Obscene words were also muted at two points, while alcohol bottles were reportedly blurred. The film additionally begins with a disclaimer warning viewers about its sensitive subject matter and disturbing visuals.
The warning states, "This film is strictly intended for adult audiences due to its sensitive theme and the disturbing nature of certain visuals and sequences. Viewer discretion is strongly advised."
The cuts have since become a talking point among moviegoers online, with several users questioning the need for alterations in an 'A'-rated film.
Some viewers have openly criticised the CBFC's decision. One post discussing the film said, "PrimeTime is censored by CBFC. Nudity is removed. Words are muted. Alcohol bottles are blurred. All this in an 'A'-rated movie."
Another user called for protests against the censoring, writing, "Need protests against CBFC tbh. Not good for cinema at all if the censorship keeps increasing at this pace."
A separate reaction questioned why an adult-rated film could not be shown in its original form, with the user writing, "Why the f''k can't they release the movie how it was made?" Another social media user similarly questioned the purpose of an 'A' certificate if the film was still subject to such cuts.
Not all reactions focused on the same aspect, with one user sarcastically commenting, "These people watch all the nudity first and cancel it for us later."
Primetime is adapted from Luke Dittrich's 2007 Esquire article Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die. Pattinson plays journalist Chris Hansen, whose television programme investigated suspected online child predators using undercover operations.
The film also stars Skyler Gisondo, Merritt Wever, Matthew Maher, Phoebe Bridgers and Anna Faris. It premiered in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival and is scheduled to release in India this Friday. Primetime is currently screening in theatres.
