Indian movies are known for pushing their limits, but not every daring idea makes it to the big screen. Some movies question political stories, traditions, or tell stories that society isn’t ready to hear. This is where banned movies in India come from. These are movies that cause controversy, spark heated debates, and sometimes become famous for the very reasons they were banned.
These banned movies in India are more than just reels of celluloid, they are stories of bold filmmakers, political controversies, and societal taboos. Some were banned for nudity or violence, others for challenging religious beliefs or political narratives. Yet, in most cases, banning only made these films more popular thanks to global releases and the internet.
In this updated 2025 guide, we bring you 10 banned movies in India , with information about their impact, the reasons behind their censorship, and the subsequent events.
Table of Contents
Why Movies Get Banned in India
Before exploring the list, it is important to understand the reasons behind a film’s ban. In India, approving films for public release is the responsibility of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), commonly referred to as the Censor Board. The Cinematograph Act of 1952 prohibits a movie from being certified if it: cbfcindia
- Threatens National Security – Films questioning India’s unity or armed forces can be banned.
- Hurts Religious Sentiments – Offending portrayals of religion can lead to bans. reddit
- Excessive Nudity or Violence – Anything considered “obscene” or “immoral” by Indian cultural standards risks censorship wikipedia
- Depicts LGBTQ+ Themes – Films like The Pink Mirror faced bans for showing drag queens and same sex relationships. wikipedia
- Political Sensitivity – Films critical of the government or leaders are often blocked. wikipedia
📌 Pro Tip: Ironically, banning often boosts a film’s popularity through piracy, international film festivals, and OTT platforms abroad.
Top 10 Banned Movies in India
1. Santosh (2025)
Why it was Banned :It was recently banned by the CBFC for its unapologetic portrayal of casteism, Islamophobia, police misogyny, and systemic violence, even though it was praised at Cannes and was the UK’s official Oscar entry. The censor board’s extensive cut demands were deemed impracticable by the director. wikipedia
Aftermath: Still unreleased in India, sparking debate about artistic censorship versus civic critique.
Rating: 7.1/10
2. India’s Daughter (2015)
Why It Was Banned: The 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder of Jyoti Singh (Nirbhaya) was the subject of the BBC documentary India’s Daughter (2015), which was directed by Leslee Udwin and caused a great deal of controversy in India. The Indian government banned the movie on the grounds that it might incite unrest while the trial was still going on, disrespect the victim by showing upsetting interviews with one of the convicted rapists and his attorneys, and possibly sway court decisions. The documentary attracted international attention after it was shown abroad, but activists denounced the ban as censorship that stifled discussion about women’s safety. To this day, it is still officially prohibited in India. wikipedia
Aftermath : Widely circulated online despite the ban.
Rating: 7.9/10 IMBD
3. Unfreedom (2014)
Why It Was Banned: The main reason the movie “Un-Freedom” was banned in India was because of its contentious themes. In parallel plotlines, it directly addressed two extremely delicate subjects: same-sex love and religious extremism. A political ban resulted from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) deciding that the depiction of these themes was too provocative and against social norms. Despite the filmmakers’ intention to raise awareness of these problems, the authorities believed that the film’s content could provoke conflict and was unfit for general audiences. imdb
Aftermath: Still denied release in India; streaming abroad
Rating : 5.0/10 IMBD
4. Gandu (2010)
Why It Was Banned: The film “Gandu” was banned in India due to an “Indie ban,” indicating it faced significant opposition from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Strong language, full-frontal nudity, and explicit sex scenes were the main grounds given for the ban. These components were judged offensive and against the CBFC’s rules regarding public display. Because of this, even though the movie is a well-known example of independent filmmaking, it was not given a nationwide theatrical release. wikipedia
Aftermath: Achieved cult status via underground screenings and global film festivals despite its Indian ban.
Rating : 5.4/10 IMBD
5. Inshallah, Football (2010)
Why It Was Banned: Due to its main theme, the movie “Inshallah, Football” was banned in India more precisely, it was given a “Kashmir ban.” Amidst the political turmoil in the area, the movie chronicles the hardships of a football player from Kashmir. The film’s depiction of the political situation in Kashmir was judged by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and other authorities to be excessively sensitive and possibly inflammatory. The film’s uncompromising examination of the intricate political issues and their effects on the lives of common people in the valley, which raised questions about public order and national security, was the direct cause of the ban. Inshallah, Football
Aftermath: Released online after years of being blocked.
Rating : 7.9/10 IMBD
6. Water (2005)
Why It Was Banned: Because of its delicate depiction of the lives of widows in Varanasi, the movie “Water” was subject to a “Widow ban” in India. Several orthodox and religious groups were incensed by the film’s narrative, which showed the struggles and exploitation these women endured. Violent protests and vandalism on the set resulted from these groups’ opposition to the movie’s production. Because of the intense backlash, the movie was eventually banned because officials were concerned that its release would incite widespread public unrest and offend religious sentiments. Water
Aftermath: Filmed in Sri Lanka and released internationally before hitting Indian theatres.
Rating: 7.6/10 IMBD
7. Black Friday (2004)
Why It Was Banned: Due to its subject matter the actual 1993 Mumbai blasts the movie “Black Friday” was subject to a “Mumbai blasts ban.” At first, the Indian government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) prohibited the movie’s release because they were worried that it would affect the ongoing court cases involving the explosions. Authorities were concerned that the way the accused and the events were portrayed in the movie might sway public opinion and the legal system. The film was only permitted to be released following the delivery of the court verdict, which served as a preventative measure to guarantee that the legal process was not jeopardized. Black_Friday
Impact: Released in 2007 after court verdicts.
Legacy: One of India’s best investigative thrillers, praised for realism.
Rating: 8.4/10 IMBD
8. The Pink Mirror (2003)
Why It Was Banned: Due to its emphasis on drag queens and homosexuality, the movie “The Pink Mirror” was subject to a “Drag queen ban” in India. The material was judged “vulgar” and inappropriate for public viewing by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The board’s choice demonstrated a conservative viewpoint on how LGBTQ+ issues are portrayed, considering the film’s content to be against accepted social and cultural standards. The long-standing difficulties Indian filmmakers have had when trying to explore unconventional and queer-centric narratives are brought to light by this ban. The_Pink_Mirror
Aftermath: Still banned, yet screened at over 70 international film festivals.
Rating: 4.4/10 IMBD
9. Fire (1996)
Why It Was Banned: Since “Fire” was the first mainstream Indian film to feature a lesbian romance, it was subject to a “LGBTQ ban” in India. Conventional social and cultural norms were directly challenged by this innovative and contentious theme. Several conservative and religious groups strongly objected to the portrayal of a same-sex relationship between two women, which was performed by well-known actors. The film’s initial ban and strong censorship demands were the result of the backlash, which was based on the belief that it promoted homosexuality and violated Indian values. Fire
Aftermath: Re-released after protests against the ban gained traction
Rating: 7.1/10 IMBD
10. Bandit Queen (1994)
Why It Was Banned: Because of its graphic and unapologetic depiction of the life of Phoolan Devi, a real-life bandit, the movie “Bandit Queen” was subject to a “Real-life ban.” Significant legal challenges were raised by the film’s depiction of severe caste-based oppression and graphic scenes of sexual violence, including rape. The film was first banned by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) because of its delicate subject matter and concern for public outrage. The movie was also temporarily banned after Phoolan Devi herself objected, saying it was exploitative and erroneous. Bandit_Queen
Impact: Initially banned, later cleared by the Supreme Court as an “important social document.”
Aftermath: Now considered a landmark film in Indian parallel cinema.
Rating: 7.5/10 IMBD
Honorable mentions
Firaaq (2008, Gujarat) – Banned in Gujarat for depicting communal tensions post-Godhra riots. Accoladed internationally.
Guide (1965) – Faced protests for “promoting infidelity,” yet eventually released in 1966 and became a classic.
Siddhartha (1972) – Shashi Kapoor–Simi Garewal film with nude scenes; shelved and only released on TV much later.
Garam Hava (1973)– Portrayed struggles of Muslim families post-Partition; feared to trigger communal riots. Released after PM Indira Gandhi intervened; now a classic.
The Impact of Banning Films
In India, banning a movie rarely reduces its impact; on the contrary, it frequently increases it. Because of the internet, viewers become more curious and bans become less effective. Many banned movies in India have found life through:
- International film festivals
- Overseas theatrical releases
- Online leaks and torrents
- OTT streaming platforms abroad
Where to Watch Banned Movies in India?
You can normally watch banned films at international film festivals, private screenings, or on foreign streaming services because they are rarely officially released in Indian theaters or on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Some films may be accessible through foreign libraries on Prime, MUBI, Vimeo on Demand, or Netflix (you can access these via a VPN). Always make sure you’re watching through morally and legally sound sources to support filmmakers.
Conclusion
These Indian film bans demonstrate that cinema is about more than just amusement; it’s also about questioning conventions, challenging authority, and igniting debates. Every title here has influenced Indian cultural history, from political dramas that shook leaders to love stories that broke social conventions.
Whether you support their ban or not, one thing is for sure: their stories will be told online, overseas, and in whispered moviegoer recommendations.
What Do You Think?
Which banned movie in India shocked you the most?
Do you believe films should be censored, or should audiences have the right to choose what they watch?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to know your opinion!
Which is the most famous banned movie in India?
Bandit Queen (1994) is one of the most famous banned movies, known for its bold portrayal of Phoolan Devi’s life.
Why do movies get banned in India?
Movies are banned due to reasons like explicit sexual content, strong language, political criticism, religious sentiments, or extreme violence.
Can I legally watch banned movies in India?
Yes, if the movie is available on an OTT platform after censorship or at international film festivals. Otherwise, only international legal sources should be used.
What is the rarest banned movie in India?
Kissa Kursi Ka (1977), a political satire destroyed during the Emergency, is considered one of the rarest and hardest to find.
Which Bollywood movies are banned on OTT platforms?
Films like Gandu, Paanch, and Kissa Kursi Ka never made it to major OTT platforms due to censorship issues.
Also check out our other posts :
Hi, I’m Saif Mohammad, the creator of Zstreamm. I’m passionate about movies, entertainment, and storytelling that keeps audiences hooked. At Zstreamm, I share trending news, in-depth reviews, viral updates, and horror stories that thrill and entertain. When I’m not writing, I’m exploring new films, hunting hidden horror gems, and keeping up with pop culture. My mission is to build a community where movie lovers and entertainment fans can always find something exciting to read.
