Upon release, Lipstick Under My Burkha received widespread critical acclaim:
The film became infamous due to the CBFC’s refusal to grant a certificate in February 2017. The CBFC’s reasoning was famously summarized by its chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, who described the film as: lipstick under my burkha film
: A housewife and mother of three who lives a double life as a successful saleswoman, despite her abusive and oppressive husband. Upon release, Lipstick Under My Burkha received widespread
Unveiling the Subaltern Voice: A Study of Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) Subject: Gender Studies, Indian Cinema, Sociology Date: [Current Date] When the producers refused, the film was denied
The board demanded 17 cuts, including removing the word “lipstick,” the erotic novel cover, and all references to female masturbation. When the producers refused, the film was denied a certificate. The decision sparked a national debate, with filmmakers, actors, and critics accusing the CBFC of sexism and moral policing. The matter went to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), which overturned the decision in April 2017, granting an ‘A’ (adults-only) certificate with minor cuts.
“Ladies oriented… There is sexual scenes, there is lesbian sex. It is about their fantasy. The story is lady oriented, vulgar, and there are abusive words.”