New Delhi: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the psychological horror film Backrooms for theatrical release in India without recommending any cuts or modifications, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.
The film was granted an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate on June 8, making it one of the few international horror releases to pass the certification process intact. The decision has attracted attention among moviegoers, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the CBFC’s censorship decisions on other films.
According to the censor certificate, Backrooms has a total runtime of 110 minutes and 54 seconds, or approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes.
Why CBFC’s Decision Is Making Headlines
The clean clearance comes at a time when the CBFC has faced criticism over its handling of several recent releases. The board was recently at the centre of a debate after seeking cuts in key scenes from the film Obsession, a move that sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
Against that backdrop, Backrooms receiving approval without any visual or audio edits has surprised many film enthusiasts and horror fans.
The film arrives in India after enjoying a highly successful run in international markets, where it has generated strong word-of-mouth and impressive box-office numbers.
What Is Backrooms About?
Directed by Kane Parsons, Backrooms is inspired by the viral internet horror phenomenon that gained popularity through online stories, videos, creepypastas and fan-created theories.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass and Finn Bennett.
The story follows a therapist whose patient mysteriously disappears into a bizarre and unexplained dimension. Determined to uncover the truth, she enters the strange world herself, only to find endless corridors, unsettling environments and terrifying entities lurking within the shadows.
Blending psychological horror with science-fiction elements, the film explores themes of fear, isolation and the unknown.
Critical Acclaim And Box Office Triumph
Backrooms has received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. The film currently holds an impressive 88 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviewers have particularly applauded Kane Parsons’ distinctive visual storytelling and his ability to create an atmosphere of constant unease. Audiences have also praised the film’s immersive sound design, tension-filled sequences and psychological horror elements.
While some viewers noted that the film’s narrative leaves room for interpretation, many considered that ambiguity part of its appeal.
The movie has also emerged as a major commercial success. Produced on a reported budget of $10 million, Backrooms has earned more than $212 million worldwide within just 10 days of release.
The remarkable performance has made it the highest-grossing film in A24’s history, further cementing its status as one of the biggest horror successes of the year.
India Release Date
Originally scheduled to release in India on May 29, Backrooms will now hit theatres nationwide on June 12 following a revised distribution strategy aimed at ensuring a wider theatrical rollout.
With strong reviews, record-breaking box-office numbers and now a clean CBFC clearance, the film is expected to generate significant interest among Indian horror fans when it arrives on the big screen.