EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors ‘Kantara scream’ in Rahu Ketu; replaces middle finger with pinky finger

Bollywood’s Upcoming Comedy Adventure ‘Rahu Ketu’ Clears Censorship, Promises a Thrilling & Fun Ride

The much-anticipated Bollywood comedy film ‘Rahu Ketu’, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Shalini Pandey, Piyush Mishra, Chunky Panday, Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Sumit Gulati, is all set to hit theaters on Friday, January 16. This film, which promises a blend of humor, fantasy, and engaging storytelling, has successfully navigated the rigorous censorship process, ensuring it adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Behind the Scenes of Censorship and Content Adjustments

In the world of Bollywood, censorship is a crucial step that ensures films meet societal standards and regulatory guidelines while preserving creative integrity. The makers of ‘Rahu Ketu’ went through this process diligently, receiving the official certification just ahead of its release. The CBFC awarded the film a U/A certificate with a 16+ age advisory, but not without requesting some modifications to specific scenes and dialogues.

ads banner

Key Edits and Revisions

  • One notable change involved a dialogue that was replaced to make it more suitable for a wider audience.
  • The film originally included visuals depicting drug use, specifically drug sniffing and snorting scenes. The CBFC mandated that these visuals be replaced with more appropriate shots that align with the film’s comedic tone.
  • A humorous but potentially provocative gesture involving the middle finger was modified to show the pinky finger instead, maintaining the comedic essence without offending sensibilities.
  • All references to specific alcohol brands were removed, ensuring the film does not promote or endorse particular products.
  • The filmmakers were also required to submit an authentication letter verifying the Sanskrit Shloka used within the film, emphasizing cultural authenticity and respect for traditional texts.
  • Finally, the CBFC instructed the replacement of a particular scream associated with the film’s music—’Kantara’ film music (voom) scream—to avoid any copyright or branding issues.

Once these necessary changes were implemented, the producers received the official censor certificate on Monday, January 12. The film’s runtime is approximately 139 minutes and 40 seconds, making it a compact yet engaging cinematic experience designed to entertain audiences across age groups.

Production Details and Star Power

‘Rahu Ketu’ is produced under the banners of Zee Studios and B-Live Productions Pvt Ltd, with the film being helmed by Vipul Vig—marking his debut as a director. The film is a notable project as it reunites Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, whose chemistry in the successful ‘Fukrey’ series left a lasting impression on Bollywood fans. Their camaraderie and comic timing are expected to be the film’s biggest highlights.

This project also features a talented supporting cast, including Chunky Panday, Shalini Pandey, Piyush Mishra, Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Sumit Gulati, each bringing their unique flair to the story. The film’s production team and cast have been actively promoting ‘Rahu Ketu’ at various platforms, including the Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and the India Entertainment Awards 2025, generating buzz and anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike.

Stars Share Their Excitement and Insights

During promotional events, Pulkit Samrat shared his thoughts on the film and his partnership with Varun Sharma. He humorously remarked, “Since the release of the first Fukrey, Varun and I have been receiving countless offers for collaborations. But often, we reject lucrative deals because we value our integrity. When we turn down so much money, it reminds us that we are doing this for the right reasons and staying true to ourselves.”

He further emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in Bollywood, stating, “We were always clear that any project beyond Fukrey had to be exceptional. That’s where ‘Rahu Ketu’ fits in. It’s a fantastical, exciting world with compelling characters, and the story is both humorous and heartwarming.”

What Makes ‘Rahu Ketu’ Stand Out?

Beyond its star cast and engaging premise, ‘Rahu Ketu’ is noteworthy for its innovative storytelling approach within the Bollywood comedy genre. Vipul Vig’s directorial debut aims to blend humor with elements of mythology and fantasy, creating a film that appeals to a broad spectrum of viewers. The film’s plot revolves around mystical forces, comedic misadventures, and a universe where cosmic elements influence human lives—fitting seamlessly into Bollywood’s tradition of mythologically inspired storytelling, yet with a modern, humorous twist.

Bollywood’s Enthusiastic Reception and Audience Expectations

The buzz around ‘Rahu Ketu’ extends beyond its promotional appearances. Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan have publicly expressed their excitement and support for the film, highlighting its potential to be a major hit. Such endorsements not only boost the film’s visibility but also underscore its significance within the current Bollywood landscape, which is increasingly embracing genre-bending and innovative narratives.

With the film’s release approaching, industry analysts predict that ‘Rahu Ketu’ could set new benchmarks for Bollywood comedies, especially those that creatively incorporate elements of mythology and fantasy. The film’s engaging storyline, combined with the comedic brilliance of its lead actors, is expected to resonate well with audiences seeking both entertainment and a touch of cultural nostalgia.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Addition to Bollywood’s Comedy Genre

As Bollywood continues to evolve, ‘Rahu Ketu’ exemplifies the industry’s push towards fresh, inventive storytelling that combines humor, tradition, and modern cinematic techniques. The film’s journey through censorship, its star-studded cast, and the creative vision of Vipul Vig all point to a promising release that aims to entertain, amuse, and perhaps even surprise viewers with its unique blend of elements.

Mark your calendars for January 16, as Bollywood’s latest comedy adventure prepares to light up theaters across the country. With its compelling narrative, engaging characters, and the backing of some of the biggest names in the industry, ‘Rahu Ketu’ is poised to become a must-watch film in Bollywood’s comedy lineup this year.

Stay tuned for more updates on ‘Rahu Ketu’ and other exciting Bollywood releases!