The CBFC trims Kiara Advani’s viral bikini scene in War 2, along with other sensual moments, ahead of its August 14 release. Find out why the cuts were made and what it means for the film starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani.
War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, is generating a lot of buzz ahead of its August 14, 2025, release date. However, one issue has fans buzzing: the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) required that producers cut 9 seconds from Kiara Advani’s bikini sequence in the song, “Aavan Jaavan,” muting several “inappropriate references,” and cutting out an “obscene gesture”. Let’s explore what led to these edits, and what they mean for the film, as well as what they mean for censorship in India.
What Were the Improper Edits Made by CBFC?
Sensual Visuals Reduced by 50%
The CBFC required producers to cut half of the sensual images, resulting in 9 seconds cut from Kiara in her bikini while in “Aavan Jaavan”
Audio/Dialogue & Visual Edits
The board required muting of “inappropriate references” on 6 occasions, replaced one obscene dialogue, and deleted a 2-second obscene gesture.
Certification and Runtime Changes
After the edits were made, War 2 was given a U/A 16+ certificate on August 6, 2025, with a runtime of 179.49 minutes (~2 h 59 m 49 s).
On August 8, the filmmakers made the decision to remove approximately 8 minutes more in the editing room for pacing purposes, and brought the runtime down to 171.44 minutes (~2 h 51 m 44 s)—with absolutely no edits to the action sequences.
Is there a rationale behind the CBFC’s cuts?
1. Certification Criteria & Audience Consideration
The CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act to regulate the public exhibition of films. They provide ratings, U/A 16+, that allow for moderate adult themes not limited to some form of sensuality. The board routinely needs to approve edits to the film to ensure there is no gratuitous sensuality, vulgarity, or obscene gestures that may violate public decency norms.
2. Preserving the Audience without Going Overboard
Although War 2 will be heavy on action and beautiful, the CBFC’s edits were an attempt to find a balance, while trying to keep Kiara’s glorious presence alive and well, within censorship. The extra modicum of trimming suggests there was planning by the filmmakers to cut this trim for a tighter, crisper product. This is important to note, especially for a fast-paced, action spy thriller.
The effect and implications of War 2 and the audience.
Perceived Hype or Censorship?
The bikini scenes in Keemal’s “Aavan Jaavan” sent the internet into a frenzy, showcasing a stunning physique and close chemistry with Hrithik’s character. Followers were disappointed, with the backlash questioning why CBFC chose to undermine the strength of the built momentum with regards to how and why audiences responded to promotional buzz, especially since there’s roughly half of the sensuality aesthetics had gone away too.
No Action Sequences Touched
Importantly for action-thriller audiences, neither of the scenes of the action set-pieces in War 2 recommended cuts. Cuts were limited by purely visual sensuality and material perceived as objectionable.
Which means the heart-racing spy vs spy narrative remains fully intact.
Strategic Trimmings
The voluntary trims highlight a rising trend: filmmakers editing to ensure the pace is right. In high-stakes genre films like War 2, a leaner runtime can create more engagement and lessen viewer fatigue.
Industry Insight and Real-World Examples
Perspective Insight
Film Producer “Trimming sensual scenes makes it universal and circumvents rating challenges. Voluntary trims like these are just good storytelling.”
Audience Behavior Expert “Buzz is visibility – the bikini scene generated social shares and contributory buzz. But cutting it invites debate, which of course keeps generating free marketing.”
Censorship Researcher “In one context, India is moving to more categories in its ratings system, like U/A 16+. But we remain by nature culturally conservative with sensuality.”
Examples for Context:
Pathaan had a glamorous Deepika Padukone swimming sequence, albeit this faced some cutting challenges.
Many Hollywood films scheduled to be released have options for “mild” and “unrated”, a flexibility not always present in India and one that is making the “trim and fly approach” more popular.
Conclusion
The CBFC’s cuts to Kiara Advani’s bikini sequence in War 2 demonstrate the challenge of creatively existing under a certification process. The edits, albeit cutting sensuality, were competent in showcasing a larger action-thriller experience, but also arguably sped up the overall film’s narrative pace.
FAQs
Why did the CBFC cut Kiara Advani’s bikini scene?
To adhere to U/A 16+ guidelines regarding removing 50 per cent of sensual visuals (9 seconds of visual content was cut), muting six inappropriate references, and an obscene gesture.
How long is the final run-time?
The final run-time of the version is 171.44 minutes (~ 2 h 51 m 44 s) as the filmmakers edited it voluntarily for pacing.
Will the action scenes still shine?
Yes – the CBFC did not edit any action sequence. The action scenes are still untouched.
Was the bikini sequence completely cut?
No – only half of it was cut. It is part of the film, which means that audiences will still see Kiara in the “Aavan Jaavan” look – just a shorter version.
Did fans react to the cuts?
Of course, the edits caused controversy on social media regarding censorship sensibilities. At the same time, the controversy generated excitement for the film.
Is this normal for Indian films?
Yes – CBFC frequently requires trimming of sensual or objectionable content. Filmmakers sometimes also voluntarily shorten the runtime for better pacing and audience retention.