CBFC orders 5 cuts to Priyanka Chopra’s Baywatch, grants Adult certificate

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given an Adult certificate to Priyanka Chopra’s Hollywood debut, Baywatch. As per reports, there have been five cuts – four verbal and one visual. 

Ever since the CBFC was revamped in 2015, under the chairmanship of Pahlaj Nihalani, it has been granting adult certificates even after suggesting cuts. So, it is not surprising that the same thing has happened to Baywatch.

Speaking to a daily, Nihalani expressed his displeasure at the language used in the film. He said, “Baywatch is crammed with cuss words and filthy language. We deleted portions where we thought the smutty language was unnecessary. But we’ve allowed the bad language in several dialogues because we felt cutting them took away from the flavour and intention of the words. I’d like to stress that we’ve given an ‘A’ certificate, not just for the bikinis, but for the strong language as well.” 

Surprisingly, Nihalani showed his liberal side by letting the bikini shots be. He said, “There was no rationale to cut the bikini images. For one, the series ran on satellite television in India for years and contained lengthy shots of women in bikinis. Secondly, Indian filmmakers really need to stop making such a big issue about bikinis. Go to Goa or Mauritius. The beaches are carpeted with women in bikinis. What is the big deal about such shots?”

Directed by Seth Gordon, Baywatch also stars Zac Efron, Dwayne Johnson and Alexandra Daddario. The film will be releasing in India on 2 June.