Censors Mandate Changes in Upcoming Film ‘Rahu Ketu’ Ahead of Release

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has approved the upcoming film Rahu Ketu, set to release on January 16, 2024, but not without requesting several changes. The film features a notable cast, including Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, and has received a U/A 16+ certification after completing the censor process earlier this week.

Among the changes mandated by the CBFC were alterations to specific scenes and dialogues. The board required that visuals depicting drug use be replaced with more appropriate shots. Additionally, a gesture involving the middle finger was to be modified to a pinky finger, and all references to alcohol brand names were to be removed. The filmmakers were also instructed to submit a letter verifying the authenticity of a Sanskrit Shloka used in the film.

One of the more significant requests involved the removal of what has been referred to as the “Kantara scream” from the soundtrack. After implementing these changes, the filmmakers received the official censor certificate on January 12, 2024. The final runtime of Rahu Ketu is noted to be 139 minutes and 40 seconds.

Produced by Zee Studios and B-Live Productions Pvt Ltd, the film marks a reunion for Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma following their successful partnership in the Fukrey series. This film also marks the directorial debut of Vipul Vig, who previously wrote the scripts for the Fukrey franchise.

As part of the promotional efforts for Rahu Ketu, the cast, including Samrat, Sharma, Chunky Panday, and Shalini Pandey, participated in the Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and the India Entertainment Awards 2025. Samrat expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Since the time the first part of Fukrey released, Varun and I have been getting lots and lots of offers to do a film together. Aur bahut dukh hota hai kyunki humein bahut paise offer hote hai.” He added, “We were always very clear that if we both do a film together other than the Fukrey series, it has to be very interesting and a grade above than Fukrey. That is where Rahu Ketu comes in. It’s a very exciting and fantastical world with very exciting characters. The way the story unfolds is heartwarming.”

The film is anticipated to resonate with audiences, having already garnered attention from prominent figures in the industry such as Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, who have expressed their support. As the release date approaches, the buzz surrounding Rahu Ketu continues to build, and it will be interesting to see how the final product is received by both critics and viewers alike.