Thunderbolts is an upcoming action-packed superhero film from Marvel Studios that brings together an unlikely group of antiheroes. Officially, the film will premiere in Indian theatres on May 1, 2025, and it features an A-list cast including Florence Pugh (watch Little Women and The Commuter), Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and David Harbour. Nevertheless, the film has been given a 'UA 13+' certification by the Central Board of Picture Certification (CBFC) in advance of its release, following several cuts to the dialogue. 

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CBFC cuts for Indian release

According to Mid Day, the CBFC has ordered the removal or muting of some profanity words, including "ass", "prick", "d**k", and "b**ch". A large portion of Marvel's cinematic audience consists of younger viewers; thus, the CBFC made these adjustments to make the film more kid-friendly. 

According to an insider, the film would receive an 'A' certificate if the terms were to be kept. The potential viewership for a Marvel property would be drastically reduced. A large portion of the audience consists of teenagers. The impact would also affect the future value of satellites and digital licences. Accordingly, the group adopted the new procedures.

Thunderbolts will not encounter any censorship problems in the US or UK, yet these cutbacks are essential for the Indian market. Both nations will distribute the film with the same certification, having cleared it without any revisions.

Plot overview of Thunderbolts

The heroes of Thunderbolts—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker—are beset by a death trap laid by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Embarking on a perilous journey compels them to face the shadowy parts of their histories. Will it be too late for this dysfunctional gang to come together and fight for a common cause, or will they break apart?

A thrilling, action-packed plot with a twist is what Thunderbolts (Eric Pearson, director) and Jake Schreier (writer) have promised. An exciting adventure combining Marvel's trademark comedy with dramatic, high-stakes situations is what fans can anticipate.

Thunderbolts in Marvel's Phase 5

The film is scheduled for an Indian release on May 1, 2025, and is expected to play a significant role in Marvel's Phase 5 roster.