New Delhi: “To bring about change, sometimes you have to play a few games.” These are the words of a famous actress who has often been at the center of controversy for her daring roles. Known for her willingness to embrace bold scenes, she has starred in films where she performed in the nude for the sake of her character. Recently, she has been making waves for her new film that gained attention at the Cannes Film Festival. However, the film has faced scrutiny from the censor board, which recommended cutting out controversial scenes. If the filmmakers don’t comply, the film would not be able to release in India.
We’re talking about Radhika Apte, an actress celebrated for her fearless portrayal of roles. She has never shied away from showing her body to truly embody her characters, even if it means facing backlash. Having already faced criticism for such scenes in the past, her latest film, Sister Midnight, directed by Karan Kandhari, is now encountering similar challenges. The film includes nude scenes featuring Radhika, which the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested should be removed.
The film, which captivated audiences at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, is now at the heart of a controversy. The CBFC has a history of rejecting sensitive content, and it has asked for the removal of a nude scene from Sister Midnight. According to media reports, this scene begins at 1 hour 11 minutes into the film, and the CBFC has stated that the content does not align with its guidelines. They have told the filmmakers that if they want a certification for the film’s release in India, they must remove this scene.
Interestingly, the British censor board also flagged the scene showing the actress’s private parts. The British Board of Film Classification had already removed this scene in the version intended for India. Despite these edits, Sister Midnight still received an “A” (Adult) certification. Additionally, the CBFC has instructed the filmmakers to mute certain objectionable words in the dialogue.
The censor board also requested that a disclaimer be added at the start of the film to avoid promoting superstition, which reads: “This film is a work of fiction. The producers, director, cast, or anyone else involved in this movie do not intend to promote superstition, black magic, or any form of occult practices in any way.”
In Sister Midnight, Radhika Apte plays the role of Uma, a married woman who is tormented by her husband’s abusive behavior. Her life takes a shocking turn as she seeks revenge and transformation. The film has already created a buzz globally and was well-received at the Cannes Film Festival.
Now, Sister Midnight is garnering positive reviews and ratings. However, some viewers have expressed disappointment on social media about not being able to watch the original version. The film was released in Indian theaters on May 30, 2025. Radhika Apte had previously made headlines for her intimate scenes in the film The Wedding Guest alongside Dev Patel.
This bold, unapologetic film continues to stir conversations, and its reception in India, given the censorship challenges, remains a topic of interest.
