The release of the much-anticipated psychological thriller 'The Housemaid' in Indian theatres has arrived with significant edits. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has mandated cuts totaling approximately eight minutes from the film, which features stars Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
What Did the CBFC Cut From The Housemaid?
According to industry reports, the Indian censor board reviewed the film to ensure compliance with local regulations. While the standard removal of curse words and questionable language was applied, the most substantial edits targeted specific scenes involving the lead actors.
The film's original runtime was 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 46 seconds. After the CBFC's cuts and the mandatory inclusion of anti-smoking advertisements, the final version playing in Indian cinemas runs for 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 46 seconds.
The majority of the excised content reportedly involves intimate or sensitive moments. Scenes depicting Sydney Sweeney's character in lovemaking situations were removed. Furthermore, a scene featuring Amanda Seyfried's character using a breast pump was also cut from the Indian release.
International Release vs. India Premiere
'The Housemaid' had already premiered internationally to audiences, but its official Indian theatrical release date was January 1. The film, which has been gaining traction globally for its tense narrative, is an adaptation of a bestselling psychological thriller novel of the same name.
The story follows a woman on parole who secures a job as a live-in nanny for a wealthy family. Initially, everything seems perfect, but she soon begins to unravel the dark secrets hidden behind the family's pristine facade.
Impact and Industry Context
Such edits by the CBFC are not uncommon for international films entering the Indian market, where content guidelines regarding intimacy, violence, and language are strictly enforced. The board's role is to certify films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act.
For fans of the book and the actors, the cuts mean experiencing a slightly altered version of the director's vision. The core plot and thriller elements remain intact, but certain character-driven moments have been omitted to align with the certification board's standards.
The performance of Sydney Sweeney, in particular, has been a major talking point online, driving interest in the film. Despite the edits, 'The Housemaid' is now available for Indian audiences to experience in cinemas, offering a glimpse into its suspenseful storyline, albeit in a trimmed form.
