The upcoming comedy caper Rahu Ketu, starring Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after undergoing several modifications. The film, which is slated to release on Friday, January 16, completed the censor process just in time for its scheduled release.
One of the most notable changes requested by the CBFC involves the removal of the iconic "Kantara scream". This scream gained immense popularity after the release of the 2022 blockbuster Kantara and has since become a signature sound in Indian cinema. The CBFC directed the filmmakers to replace the Kantara film music, including the distinctive scream, to avoid cultural misuse or unauthorized reference. The "Kantara scream," also known as the Guliga or Panjurli roar, carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning rooted in the Bhoota Kola ritual of coastal Karnataka and symbolizes divine possession and justice.
In addition to the Kantara scream, the CBFC also requested several other changes. Visuals depicting drug sniffing and snorting were asked to be replaced with appropriate shots. Scenes featuring the middle finger gesture were altered, with the gesture being replaced by a pinky finger. The CBFC also mandated the removal of all visible alcohol brand names from bottles to ensure no direct promotion of liquor brands on screen. Furthermore, the makers were asked to submit an authentication letter for the Sanskrit Shloka used in the film. A dialogue was also replaced in one scene. The censor board also instructed the team to add a copyright slate in blank areas.
Vipul Vig, who was the writer of Fukrey (2013), Fukrey Returns (2017) and Fukrey 3 (2023), makes his directorial debut with Rahu Ketu. The film is backed by Zee Studios and B-Live Productions Pvt Ltd, and produced by Umesh Kumar Bansal, Suraj Singh and Varsha Kukreja. Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, along with Chunky Panday and Shalini Pandey, promoted Rahu Ketu at the Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards 2025.
After implementing all the requested changes, the makers of Rahu Ketu received the censor certificate on Monday, January 12. The film's length is 139.40 minutes, which translates to 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 40 seconds.
