Robert Pattinson’s Primetime released in India on September 25, but some changes were made to the film before it reached the big screens. The psychological crime thriller was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an ‘A’ certificate, with the board asking the makers to cut some scenes and add a warning before the film.
What changes did CBFC ask for?
The CBFC granted primetime scrutiny just days before its scheduled release in India. The film was cleared for adult audiences after the producers made changes requested by the board.
In line with regulations on alcohol consumption and its portrayal in films, anti-alcohol warnings have been added as a static on-screen message. Seven seconds were also cut from the film, including frontal nudity. The CBFC report specifically records the deletion as 7 seconds.
The name of an alcohol brand seen in the film has also been blurred out. Two instances of obscene language were muted, with one word removed from each of two separate cuts outlined in the examination report.
The makers were also asked to add a 10-second disclaimer at the beginning of the film. The warning reads, “This film is intended for strictly adult audiences due to its sensitive subject matter and the disturbing nature of some scenes and sequences. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.”
The revised presentation also included some additions made voluntarily by the filmmakers. These changes added up to a total of 46 seconds. Additional features include a 10-second spot for closed captions, a six-second marketing slide, a 12-second Lionsgate India logo and an 18-second moving logo for PVR-Inox Pictures. After cuts, substitutions, and additions, Primetime’s certified runtime is 110 minutes and 15 seconds, which is approximately one hour, 50 minutes and 15 seconds.
Internet reacts
The cuts did not sit well with online audiences, especially because Primetime was already given an ‘A’ certificate, meaning it was restricted to adult audiences. Many users on X questioned why further cuts were required despite the film being certified for adults.
One user wrote, “My mood got spoiled after watching this movie in the theatre.” Another wrote, “The movie got adult rating but CBFC is still adulterating.” A third user asked, “What’s the point of being rated A if they’re still cutting scenes.” Another criticized the increasing censorship, writing, “Need to protest against CBFC tbh. If censorship continues to increase at this pace then it is not good for cinema at all.” Another user sarcastically wrote, “Yes, because we are completely irresponsible people. The censor board looks at our public places and says ‘no’.”
What is primetime about?
The film is set in 2006 and follows television journalist Chris Hansen as he works on the NBC program To Catch a Predator, which made him widely known. The real-life show used hidden cameras to confront people suspected of trying to meet minors.
Primetime takes that chapter of Hansen’s career and turns it into a story about television, journalism, and the pressures of turning true crime into compelling viewing. The film also walks the line between reporting a story and turning it into entertainment.
Pattinson has revealed how much time he spent studying the real Hansen before playing him. “I must have listened to every single episode about 100 times,” she told USA TODAY, referring to Hansen’s podcast ‘Have a Seat with Chris Hansen.’ She also explained why Hansen’s voice became such an important part of the performance: “In the beginning, I didn’t really think her voice was such an integral part of her personality. But you can really tell when you’re doing it wrong or right.”
The actor also revealed what made him want to play this role specifically. Recalling a 2018 conversation between Hansen and comedian Theo Vaughn, Pattinson said, “Theo was asking him: ‘Do you ever go to therapy?’ His answer to this inspired me to do so [the film]. He basically said, ‘No, I bury everything really, really deep inside.’ When you see someone who looks very balanced all the time, your natural tendency is to think: ‘What’s behind this balance?'”
Who are the other stars in primetime?
Primetime is directed by Lance Oppenheim, making his narrative feature debut after working primarily in documentaries. Ajon Singh wrote the screenplay, which is based on Luke Dietrich’s 2007 Esquire article, Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die.
The film is produced by A24, with Ari Aster among its producers. The cast includes Merritt Weaver as producer Andy Bender, Skyler Gisondo as a decoy actor, Phoebe Bridgers in her dramatic feature debut, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine and Anna Faris as Hansen’s first wife, Mary Joan.