Rahu Ketu CBFC cuts: Fresh details around the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) edits for the upcoming Hindi fantasy comedy Rahu Ketu have now
surfaced, offering a clearer picture of the changes made ahead of its theatrical release on January 16, 2026.
The comedy-adventure, led by Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, has undergone multiple modifications to secure certification.
Kantara scream removed from Rahu Ketu
According to the censor report, one of the most notable edits involves the removal of the iconic “Kantara scream”, also known as the Guliga or Panjurli roar. The sound, originally popularised in Rishab Shetty’s Kantara, carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning rooted in the Bhoota Kola ritual of coastal Karnataka. In Kantara, the scream symbolised divine possession and justice. For Rahu Ketu, the CBFC directed the makers to replace the Kantara film music, including the distinctive scream, to avoid cultural misuse or unauthorised reference.
The censor board has also instructed the team to replace visuals showing drug sniffing or snorting wherever they appear in the film. In addition, scenes featuring the middle finger gesture have been altered, with the gesture replaced by a pinky finger instead. All visible alcohol brand names have been removed from bottles, ensuring no direct promotion of liquor brands on screen.
Other changes include the replacement of certain dialogues and vocals, submission of an authentication letter for a Sanskrit shloka used in the film, and the addition of a copyright slate in blank areas. These edits form part of the standard compliance process overseen by the Central Board of Film Certification.
More about Rahu Ketu
Directed by Vipul Vig in his directorial debut, Rahu Ketu follows two bumbling characters, Rahu and Ketu, who are magically brought to life from a writer’s notebook. When the mystical book falls into the hands of Meenu Taxi, played by Shalini Pandey, the duo must navigate a chaotic journey involving folklore, fantasy, and even a dangerous drug mafia.
The ensemble cast also features Chunky Panday, Piyush Mishra, Amit Sial and Manu Rishi Chadha. Produced by Zee Studios and BLive Productions, the film runs for 139 minutes and 40 seconds.
