Bollywood Clash: CBFC Demands Major Edits in Ajay Devgn’s “Son of Sardaar 2”, Axes Controversial Dialogue

The high-octane world of Bollywood sequels just hit a regulatory speed bump. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has demanded significant edits for the much-anticipated comedy-action film, “Son of Sardaar 2“, starring Ajay Devgn. In a move sparking industry debate, the board specifically mandated the removal of a dialogue deemed offensive, forcing the replacement of the phrase “kutte ki tarah” (like a dog). This intervention throws a spotlight on the ongoing tension between creative expression and censorship norms in Indian cinema, potentially impacting the film’s final cut and release strategy.

This isn’t just about a single line. Reports indicate the CBFC has called for “major edits” across the film, raising questions about the extent of the changes required for the sequel to the 2012 hit “Son of Sardaar”. The development comes as a significant moment for the film’s team and fans eagerly awaiting Devgn’s return as the charismatic, turbaned protagonist.

What Sparked the CBFC’s Intervention? The “Kutte Ki Tarah” Controversy

The most specific and widely reported edit demanded by the CBFC revolves around a particular dialogue. According to sources cited by The Times of India and other entertainment portals, the board found the phrase “kutte ki tarah” (meaning “like a dog”) to be derogatory and potentially offensive to animal lovers and specific communities.

• The Original Intent: While the exact context within the film’s narrative isn’t fully detailed in public reports, such phrases are often used in Bollywood for comic effect, exaggerated threats, or to depict rivalry. However, the CBFC, operating under its certification guidelines, deemed it unacceptable.
• The Mandated Change: The board didn’t just request deletion; it reportedly insisted on a replacement dialogue. The production team had to swiftly rework the scene, substituting the contentious line with “aise hi” (just like that) to maintain narrative flow while complying with the censors’ directives. This highlights the CBFC’s power not just to cut, but to alter creative content.

Beyond One Line: Scope of the “Major Edits” Requested

While the “kutte ki tarah” replacement is the most visible change, the CBFC’s feedback reportedly extends much further. The term “major edits” suggests potentially extensive revisions impacting various aspects of the film:

1. Dialogue Scrutiny: Beyond the infamous line, other dialogues perceived as vulgar, abusive, excessively violent in language, or potentially inflammatory towards religious, regional, or social groups likely faced review and potential alteration or removal.
2. Visual Content: The CBFC routinely examines scenes depicting violence, intimacy, or substance use. Given the action-comedy genre of “Son of Sardaar 2”, fight sequences or potentially suggestive comic moments might have been flagged for trimming or modification to fit the desired certification category (likely UA or U/A).
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Films depicting specific communities, especially Sikhs (given the title and Devgn’s Sardar avatar), often receive heightened scrutiny to avoid stereotypes or disrespectful portrayals. The CBFC might have requested edits to ensure cultural depictions are handled appropriately.
4. Overall Tone & Length: The board sometimes suggests cuts to pacing or scenes deemed unnecessary or excessively lengthy, impacting the film’s final runtime and narrative rhythm.

“Son of Sardaar 2”: A Sequel Facing Turbulence

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora and produced by Ajay Devgn himself under his banner, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, “Son of Sardaar 2” (SOS 2) is a sequel to the 2012 blockbuster “Son of Sardaar”. The original film, a remake of the Telugu hit “Maryada Ramanna”, was a major commercial success, known for its blend of action, comedy, and Devgn’s popular portrayal.

• The Cast: Reprising his iconic role is Ajay Devgn. The film also features a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Jahnvi Kapoor in pivotal roles, promising high stakes and dynamic interactions.
• The Expectations: Given the success of the first film and the star power involved, Son of Sardaar 2 has been highly anticipated. This CBFC intervention adds an unexpected layer of complexity to its journey to the big screen.
• The Challenge: Implementing “major edits” close to a planned release can be logistically challenging and creatively frustrating for filmmakers. It involves re-editing scenes, potentially re-dubbing dialogue (as seen with the “aise hi” replacement), and ensuring the revised version maintains coherence and impact.

The Bigger Picture: CBFC and Bollywood’s Enduring Tussle

The Son of Sardaar 2 situation is far from an isolated incident. It reignites the long-standing debate about film censorship in India. The CBFC, operating under the Cinematograph Act, has frequently been at the centre of controversies for its edits:

• The “Offense” Conundrum: CBFC decisions often hinge on preventing content that could offend religious sentiments, social groups, or national integrity. However, the interpretation of “offensive” is subjective and frequently contested by filmmakers and audiences advocating for artistic freedom.
• Impact on Creativity: Directors argue that excessive cuts or mandated changes dilute their vision, compromise storytelling, and sometimes even alter the intended meaning of scenes or characters. The replacement of specific, context-driven dialogue (like “kutte ki tarah”) is a prime example.
• The “U/A” Tightrope: Most commercial Hindi films target a U/A (Parental Guidance for children under 12) certificate to maximize audience reach. Achieving this often requires navigating a complex set of CBFC expectations regarding language, violence, and adult themes, sometimes leading to significant compromises.
• Animal Welfare Focus: The specific objection to the “dog” phrase also reflects a growing sensitivity towards animal welfare depictions in media, aligning with broader societal concerns.

Industry & Fan Reactions: Awaiting the Final Cut

As news of the CBFC’s demands broke, reactions began to surface:

• Filmmaker’s Perspective: While official statements from theSon of Sardaar 2 team are awaited, sources suggest they are working diligently to implement the required changes swiftly to avoid release delays. The need to replace dialogue indicates a collaborative, albeit pressured, effort to comply.
• Fan Sentiment: Social media buzz reveals a mix of curiosity and concern. Fans of the original film are eager to see the sequel but express apprehension about how the “major edits” might alter the film’s flavour, especially its trademark humour and Devgn’s punchy dialogue delivery. Some question the CBFC’s consistency in applying standards.
• Industry Observers: Trade analysts note that while CBFC interventions are common, the term “major edits” for a big-ticket film likeSon of Sardaar 2 is noteworthy. They emphasize the importance of the final certification and whether the edits impact the film’s commercial appeal or pacing.

The ultimate test will be the audience’s reception of the final, certified version. Will the replacement dialogue feel organic? Will the other edits be noticeable or seamlessly integrated?

Looking Ahead: Release Plans and the Path Forward

Despite the CBFC hurdle, the production is reportedly on track to meet its expected release window. The team’s swift action in resubmitting the edited version is crucial.

• The Final Certification: The film will ultimately receive a certificate (U, U/A, or A) based on the revised version submitted after implementing the CBFC’s directives.
• A Recurring Challenge: This episode serves as a reminder to all filmmakers of the critical need to factor potential CBFC requirements into the scripting and production process, although anticipating every concern remains difficult.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Dialogue Change

The CBFC’s demand for major edits in “Son of Sardaar 2”, highlighted by the replacement of the “kutte ki tarah” dialogue, is more than just a last-minute tweak. It’s a microcosm of the complex relationship between Bollywood creativity and regulatory oversight. While the intent to prevent offense and uphold certain standards is clear, the process often sparks debate about artistic freedom and subjective interpretations of content.

As Ajay Devgn and his team finalize the film under the CBFC’s guidance, all eyes will be on how these changes shape the final experience. Will Son of Sardaar 2 retain the raw, comedic energy of its predecessor, or will the censor’s scissors leave a noticeable mark?

The Takeaway: The journey of “Son of Sardaar 2” underscores that in Bollywood, the battle isn’t just fought on screen; it often plays out in the editing room under the watchful eye of the certification board. The film’s success will depend not only on its stars and story but also on how effectively it navigates this crucial final hurdle.

What are your thoughts on film censorship in India? Do CBFC edits protect audiences or stifle creativity? Share your views in the comments below!

FAQ Section: Your “Son of Sardaar 2” CBFC Edit Questions Answered

Q1: What exactly was the controversial dialogue in Son of Sardaar 2 that the CBFC objected to?
A: The CBFC specifically objected to the dialogue phrase “kutte ki tarah” (meaning “like a dog”). They found it derogatory and potentially offensive. The filmmakers were forced to replace it with the phrase “aise hi” (meaning “just like that”).

Q2: Why did the CBFC demand major edits beyond just that one line?
A: Reports state the CBFC requested “major edits” overall. While the “kutte ki tarah” change is the most specific, “major edits” typically implies broader scrutiny. This could include trimming other dialogues deemed vulgar or abusive, reducing violent visuals, adjusting scenes for cultural sensitivity (especially regarding the Sikh community due to the title/character), or cutting content deemed unnecessary for pacing or certification reasons (aiming for U/A).

Q3: Will these CBFC edits delay the release of Son of Sardaar 2?
A: As of the latest reports, the production team is working swiftly to implement the CBFC’s required changes. There is no official announcement of a delay yet. The film is still reportedly targeting its planned release window , but this hinges on the CBFC approving the revised version promptly.

Q4: Has Ajay Devgn or the director commented publicly on these edits?
A: Official detailed statements from Ajay Devgn or the director Vijay Kumar Arora specifically addressing the nature of the edits or the “kutte ki tarah” replacement have not been widely reported at this stage. Industry sources indicate the team is focused on completing the required revisions. They are likely prioritizing resolving the issue with the CBFC over public commentary right now.

Q5: Is this level of CBFC intervention common for Bollywood films?
A: Yes, CBFC reviews and requests for edits are a standard part of the film release process in India. However, the term “major edits” being used for a high-profile, big-budget film like “Son of Sardaar 2” is significant and attracts more attention. Dialogue changes, especially replacing specific words or phrases deemed offensive, are relatively common occurrences during certification. The scale beyond the dialogue replacement in this case is what makes it noteworthy.