Robert Pattinson's Primetime loses 7 seconds to CBFC cuts despite A rating

Robert Pattinson's Primetime reached Indian theatres on Friday, September 25, but only after the Central Board of Film Certification asked for a few changes. The board cleared the Hollywood film with an 'A' certificate, so only adults can watch it. Even with that rating, the film had to lose a scene before it could release.

The biggest change is a seven-second cut of frontal nudity, which the board asked the makers to remove. Obscene words were also muted in two places. A warning now plays at the very start of the film. It says the film is strictly meant for adult audiences because of its sensitive theme and disturbing visuals, and it asks viewers to use their discretion.

Reports say the list of changes went further. An anti-alcohol warning was reportedly added as a static message on screen, and an alcohol brand seen in the film was blurred. The makers are also said to have added 46 seconds of their own, including space for closed captions, a marketing slide and studio logos. After all the cuts and additions, the certified runtime stands at 110 minutes and 15 seconds, just over one hour and 50 minutes.

The censor process was finished only a few days before release. According to reports, the certificate was handed to the studio, PVR Inox Pictures, on September 22. Reports also say several viewers on social media asked why a film already rated for adults needed any cuts at all.

Primetime is based on a 2007 magazine article by Luke Dittrich. Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the NBC journalist who hosted To Catch a Predator. That show lured men suspected of trying to meet minors to decoy homes fitted with hidden cameras. The film is reportedly the first narrative feature from documentary maker Lance Oppenheim, with A24 producing.

The cast also includes Skyler Gisondo, Merritt Wever, Matthew Maher, Phoebe Bridgers and Anna Faris. The film reportedly premiered in the competition section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.