DC Studios’ upcoming horror thriller Clayface has received an A (Adults Only) certificate in India, but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has required several changes before its theatrical release.
According to an October 22 report by Bollywood Hungama, the certification board ordered modifications involving frontal nudity, graphic violence and subtitles. The film, directed by James Watkins, will begin paid previews in India on October 22 before its nationwide release on October 23, 2026.
Despite receiving an adult classification, the movie has not been cleared in its original form.
CBFC Orders 24 Seconds of Nudity Edits
The most significant changes involve two sequences containing nudity.
According to the report, the CBFC required five seconds from one sequence and 19 seconds from another to be removed or replaced with alternative shots.
One affected scene features Joana Ribeiro, who portrays Mia Torrez. The filmmakers reportedly adjusted the framing to focus on another character rather than showing her nudity.
The board also requested modifications to two graphic shots depicting a person’s face being smashed. These sequences last one second and six seconds, respectively.
Importantly, the report describes these as visual modifications, not necessarily the complete deletion of both violent scenes.
Clayface Also Receives Subtitle Changes
Beyond the visual edits, the makers voluntarily removed a strong profanity from the subtitles.
The CBFC additionally required static anti-alcohol and anti-drug warnings wherever applicable.
Following these changes, Clayface received certification on October 19, 2026, with a recorded runtime of 1 hour, 48 minutes and 31 seconds.
The decision raises a familiar question about India’s film certification process: why are additional edits required for a movie already restricted to adult audiences?
A similar discussion emerged after another 2026 Hollywood horror release, Obsession, reportedly underwent modifications despite receiving an A certificate.
What Is Clayface About?
Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, Clayface stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose career collapses after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured.
Desperate to recover his appearance, Hagen undergoes experimental treatment with horrifying consequences.
The supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan.
The film embraces psychological terror and disturbing physical transformations rather than conventional superhero action.
For Indian audiences, the certification means Clayface remains restricted to adults aged 18 and above, with certain graphic moments altered for theatrical screenings.
Whether those changes noticeably affect the film’s horror experience remains to be seen.
