Baaghi 4 runs into CBFC scissors before release, advance sales hint at slow takeoff

Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4 is set to release in theatres on September 5, 2025, but the film has already drawn attention for reasons beyond its action-packed trailer. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the movie only after directing 23 cuts and several audio changes. Despite carrying an ‘A’ certificate, the board felt that certain sequences required significant toning down.

According to reports, the edits were prompted by graphic violence, sexually explicit references, and scenes seen as offensive to religious sentiments. Among the visuals flagged were a character lighting a cigarette from a temple diya, and a knife being hurled at a statue of Jesus Christ. The CBFC also objected to depictions of throat-slitting, severed limbs, and the use of swords in brutal killings. Other shots removed included a cigarette being lit from a severed hand and a sword piercing a skull.

On the sexual content front, a frontal nude scene had to be obscured, while a sequence showing a hand caressing a woman’s hip was removed. Several dialogues also came under scrutiny. Words like “condom” were muted, “fingering” was substituted with a milder expression, and abusive terms were altered. A line originally scripted as “Tera wajood hi mit jaayega God” was modified to “Sab dekhte reh jayenge” to avoid religious controversy.

The changes came just days before the certification was granted on August 26, clearing the path for release.

Despite the buzz, advance bookings have been moderate. By 1 pm on opening day, Sacnilk reported Baaghi 4 had collected around Rs 2.81 crore, with the total rising to about Rs 5 crore once blocked seats were factored in. Occupancy hovered between 4 and 7 percent, suggesting the film may rely on word of mouth to gain momentum over the weekend.

Directed by A. Harsha, Baaghi 4 features Tiger Shroff in the lead alongside Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist. Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu and actress Sonam Bajwa also play significant roles. The film, loosely adapted from the 2013 Tamil film Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu, follows Ronny (Tiger Shroff), a man haunted by grief and hallucinations after a devastating train crash, as he faces both his inner struggles and a ruthless enemy.