Baaghi 4 CBFC Cuts: 23 Scenes Removed for A Certificate!

Baaghi 4, the forthcoming action extravaganza of Tiger Shroff, is building up to a frenzied level. Toh Baaghi 4’s fanbase is eagerly awaiting the hours before the movie puts on the screens their beloved action hero unleashing havoc at a new level. But the journey to the release has been as eventful in the background as it has on camera, with the film having a run-in with the Central Board of Film Certification.

In a development that has left everyone buzzing with curiosity, the CBFC has granted Baaghi 4 an ‘A’ certificate following the imposition of a whopping 23 cuts. This basically signifies that the movie is cleared for viewing only among adult audiences because of its graphic and brutal content. The news has only fueled the fire of anticipation further, leaving everyone eager to find out just what sorts of brutal action and gritty storyline director A. Harsha has in store.

This in-depth analysis shall cover all of the Baaghi 4 CBFC cuts and A certificate information that have come out from the reports. We shall decompose the particular scenes and dialogues which the censor board objected to, analyze the implications of an ‘A’ rating for a massy film, and examine why the makers then decided to go back voluntarily further cut the film themselves. Prepare yourself for a thorough lowdown on the censorship drama over one of the most highly anticipated movies of the season.

Getting to Know the CBFC and the 'A' Certificate

It’s important to know what the ‘A’ certificate given by the CBFC really means before we dive into the actual edits. The Central Board of Film Certification is the government-authorized body tasked with controlling the public exhibition of Indian films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Their role is to screen films and provide them with a rating that will assist the audience in making the content suitable for viewing.

The ‘A’ rating, or ‘Adults Only’ certificate, is reserved for those movies containing material that is inappropriate for viewers who are under 18. This may include graphic violence, extreme sexual content, extended disturbing images, or severe profanity. It is a definite indication that the movie is for a mature audience that is able to cope with and place in context its more intense aspects.

For a franchise such as Baaghi, with a huge following among young teenagers who admire Tiger Shroff’s mind-blowing stunts and body, an ‘A’ certificate is a major break. It suggests a deliberate shift by the makers towards a darker, grittier, and realistic tone of action, possibly to appeal to an older audience that likes raw, unadulterated combat scenes and a more mature storyline.

The fact that the CBFC still insisted on cuts even after granting this adult rating is of special interest. It indicates that there is a boundary even for adult material, particularly with regards to religious feelings and very graphic violence that might be considered gratuitous. The board’s choices frequently indicate a desire to meet in the middle of creative freedom and social obligation, not wanting films to promote or offend to a point.

The Complete Breakdown: Baaghi 4’s 23 CBFC-Mandated Cuts

As per comprehensive reports on behalf of sources such as Bollywood Hungama, the CBFC’s Examining Committee (EC) screened Baaghi 4 on August 26 and provided a list of deletions and cuts that were needed to be made. The film was certified only after the producers consented to making these 23 changes, which varied from visual changes to muting on the audio level. Let us categorize and look into the most important types of cuts that were imposed.

Trims for Violent and Graphic Content

Most of the concerns of the CBFC pertained to the violent nature of the film. The action in Baaghi 4 appears to be taken to an entirely different level, concentrating on going beyond what is usually screened in mass board masala movies. The board precisely aimed for scenes that were too gory and too brutal.

Among the most significant visual cuts made to the film was the omission of a shot that features the hero standing on top of a coffin, a picture that may be interpreted as extremely disrespectful and offensive. A third cut made was one where a cigarette is lit using a ‘niranjan diya’ (an ever-burning flame), something that would be interpreted as an insult to religious feelings.

The most horrific cut of all was probably of a shot of a character lighting a cigarette with an amputated hand. The board also cut out a grotesque 11-second bit that was seen as overly gory, a sword penetrating through a character’s head, as well as other imagery of throats being slit, hands chopped off, and goons being dispatched with swords. One scene where a knife is thrown at the statue of Jesus Christ and another one where a punch rendered the statue inclined were also removed to not offend religious sentiments.

Cuts on Sexual Content and Nudity

Although the Baaghi franchise has become synonymous with action, the fourth film reportedly contained some sex-oriented material that the board requested be revised. Reports describe how a “frontal nude sequence” was instructed to be covered up. The use of the term “covered up” implies that the producers perhaps made recourse to digital blurring or tactful editing in order to hide the nudity instead of deleting the whole scene so that the context of the story was retained but made less explicit for the Indian viewership.

This is a typical procedure for the CBFC when it comes to dealing with something that is part of the plot but too explicit for their standards. They are usually centered on toning down the explicitness of the images while trying their best to keep the intent of the story, without making the film go over to what they define as vulgar or pornographic content.

Cuts for Strong Language and Dialogues

Audio and dialogues were not immune to it either. The CBFC usually is strict about profanity and cuss words, even in adult-rated films. The examining committee found a few dialogues and words too harsh to be exhibited.

Particular words such as “bhang b*****a”, “b**e”, and the term “fi****ing” were either completely muffled or replaced with milder, less abusive variants. In a pretty precise cut, the term “condom” was muffled inside a conversation. Additionally, whole lines like “Woh bhi darta hai mujhse,” were cut from the film’s final version, though the reason behind this specific cut isn’t quite clear from the reports.

Those sound cuts are intended to rein in the employment of expletives and sexual innuendo, which the board feels will have a negative impact or be considered crass by parts of the audience. It’s a repeated tug-of-war between film directors wanting realistic, unvarnished dialogue and the certifying organization’s rules regarding what language is acceptable.

The Enigma of Voluntary Cuts: Why Cut a Already Certified Film?

In a surprising turn of events, the producers of Baaghi 4 did not rest with the CBFC-imposed cuts. Only three days after getting their certificate on August 26, the production house, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, went back on their own accord to the board on August 29. They re-submitted their trimmed version of the film with more trims, reducing the running time by another 6 minutes and 45 seconds.

This last cut, which will be going to the theatres, stands at 157 minutes and 5 seconds (2 hours, 37 minutes, 5 seconds). This self-censorship after having acquired the ‘A’ certificate is a significant question: why would the producers do it? This calculated decision is not specific to Baaghi 4; major projects such as War 2 and The Bengal Files have followed the same path.

One of the main reasons might be creative honing. Having watched the movie with the first cuts, the director and producers may have considered a few scenes too lengthy or disbalancing the pace of the plot. Making these scenes leaner may lead to a tighter and more engaging watch experience, keeping the audience engaged right through without any lag.

Another major reason is usually commercial strategy. A very violent or exploitative film, even with an ‘A’ certificate, may sometimes incur opposition from specific groups or generate negative word-of-mouth for being “too much.” By going out of their way to soften the material a notch more, the producers could be trying to expand a bit of an audience appeal, hoping to appeal to those adults who like action but are repelled by too much gore or obscenity.

It also demonstrates a proactive approach to avoiding any potential controversies after release, especially concerning religious or senselessly violent content. In today’s sensitive climate, this can be a prudent step to ensure smooth screenings and avoid any last-minute protests or legal challenges that could hurt the box office performance.

Baaghi 4: The Star-Powered Action Spectacle

In the midst of all the chatter about reductions and certifications, it’s possible to overlook the star power pushing this film. Tiger Shroff, the undisputed king of action in Bollywood, is back in his most defining franchise. Famous for his jaw-dropping athleticism, impeccable martial arts, and heart-stopping stunts, Tiger is the very essence and life of the Baaghi franchise.

His commitment to doing all his stunts himself has created a new standard for action films in India. For Baaghi 4, hopes are high that he will take the-envelope even more, producing action sequences which are not just bigger and nastier but also wildly inventive. The CBFC report on violence indicates that he has quite literally done just that, presenting a raw and visceral experience of combat.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast. The iconic Sanjay Dutt, who has portrayed both terrifying villains and endearing heroes in his own career, lends immense gravity to the film. His inclusion assures a strong villain for Tiger Shroff’s character, paving the way for a grand showdown. The beautiful Sonam Bajwa and the gorgeous Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu, complete the cast, lending glamour and substance to the high-energy drama.

Supported by prolific producer Sajid Nadiadwala, whose trademark is expensive productions and commercial successes, Baaghi 4 has all the makings of a blockbuster. The mix of a hit franchise, action star in deep favour, strong villain and mega-budget ensures a theatrical experience designed to excite and entertain.

The Impact of an 'A' Certificate on Box Office and Audience Reach

The million-dollar question is, how does an ‘A’ certificate affect a film’s box office appeal? Historically, a UA or U certificate is a more commercially safe bet since it opens up a broader family audience, including teenagers, to the film. The ‘A’ rating automatically denies a section of the potential audience.

But that need not always be a bad thing. Over the past few years, a number of films with ‘A’ certificates have turned into blockbusters. Releases such as Kabir Singh, Animal, and Jawan (which was UA but contained high-level violence) have shown that if the material is interesting and appeals to the adult section, it can churn out a huge wave of footfalls in cinemas. The certificate may even serve as a marketing tool, building interest in how raw and unfiltered the film is.

For Baaghi 4, the youth and adults who demand sophisticated, gritty action appear to be the target audience. The franchise has taken root, and this fresh, grown-up take can be a calculated reboot to make it seem new again and current. It places Tiger Shroff as much of a hero for children as a straight-up action star for a more mature audience.

Advance bookings are said to be good, suggesting the core fan base is unfazed by the rating. The publicity over the violent cuts has only added to the anticipation, and the movie is a must-see for action buffs. The ultimate box office figures will be based on word-of-mouth—if crowds emerge from the theatre thrilled and contented, the ‘A’ certificate will be a small footnote in its success story.

Last Judgment: The New Beginning for the Baaghi Franchise?

The long list of Baaghi 4 CBFC cuts and A certificate details all lead to one obvious conclusion: this isn’t the Baaghi we have previously known. The franchise is clearly growing up, choosing a darker, grittier, and more intense style of storytelling and action. The vision of the makers, although apparently watered down by the censor board, still seems to be setting an example for mainstream Hindi cinema.

The self-imposed cuts demonstrate a shrewd commercial sense, but the very type of content that was shot implies a daring intent. We, the audience, are about to be presented with a Tiger Shroff who is not merely an adept fighter but a ruthless force of nature in a world as intense as he. If this risk pays off and ushers in a new trend for action films in India, only time will tell.

One thing is certain: everyone’s eyes will be on the cinema halls this weekend. The mix of high-octane action, an adult certification, and the intrigue about what has been cut guarantees that Baaghi 4 will be among the most discussed movies of the year. Are you ready to witness the unrestrained, uncut (okay, barely cut) intensity of Baaghi 4?