Ishaan Khatter Critiques CBFC’s Double Standards on Social Films

Ishaan Khatter’s Take on CBFC’s Censorship Policies

Neeraj Ghaywan’s film, *Homebound*, which stars Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, was recently released in cinemas after a rigorous review by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was cleared with 11 cuts, reducing its runtime by 77 seconds. It has become notable not just for its storyline but also for being selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars in 2026.

Ishaan’s Perspective on CBFC’s Discrepancies

In a recent conversation with *Zoom*, Ishaan expressed his concerns regarding the CBFC’s approach. He stated, “While I wasn’t involved directly in the process, as an artist, it’s disheartening when a film’s vision is altered. The standards they use to evaluate films raise questions. What are the benchmarks for these decisions?”

He further highlighted that the criteria applied to films often vary significantly. “Certain films seem to receive leniency despite having contentious content, while social films presenting specific viewpoints undergo intense scrutiny.” Ishaan called for equal treatment in how diverse opinions are evaluated in filmmaking.

Exploring Themes in Homebound

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, *Homebound* tackles various pressing themes such as friendship, caste, religion, and survival. The film draws inspiration from Basharat Peer’s poignant essay, “Taking Amrit Home,” originally published in The New York Times.

*Homebound* premiered globally at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it was met with considerable acclaim, even earning a nine-minute standing ovation. Following this, it garnered praise at the Toronto International Film Festival and firmly positioned itself as India’s representative for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming Oscars.

Released in India on September 26, the film’s reception reflects the ongoing conversation about the standards imposed by the CBFC and their implications for artistic expression.

What do you think about the role of film certification boards in shaping artistic narratives? Share your thoughts below!