Highest-Rated 2026 Horror Film ‘Obsession’ Released in India With Cuts, Viewers Slam CBFC

Horror fans in India walked into theatres on Thursday eager to experience Obsession on the big screen, but for many viewers,

The conversation quickly shifted from the film’s scares to the scenes they felt were missing. Curry Barker’s horror film, released in India on May 29, has already gained strong international attention and is currently among the highest-rated horror titles of 2026 on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette, the film had generated significant online buzz ahead of its India release.

However, viewers soon realised that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had ordered edits before clearing the film for theatrical release.

According to the CBFC certificate, Obsession received an ‘A’ rating with a runtime of about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but still underwent cuts despite being restricted to adult audiences. Reports suggest around 38 seconds of footage were removed.

These included portions described as containing “extreme violence” and a brief segment involving “graphic sexual activity,” along with the removal of a visual featuring nudity. The film was also supplemented with mandatory anti-smoking, anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol warning messages.

The edits sparked frustration among sections of the audience, particularly horror fans who had been anticipating an uncut theatrical experience. Social media platforms saw a wave of reactions questioning the rationale behind trimming content from an already adult-certified film.

Several users criticised the cuts, arguing that they disrupted the narrative flow and undermined the purpose of an ‘A’ certificate, which is meant to allow unrestricted viewing for adults. Others expressed broader concerns about creative freedom and consistency in certification standards.

While Obsession continues its theatrical run in India, the debate over censorship and film certification standards has gained momentum online, with viewers divided over the CBFC’s decision.