Bokshi Release Postponed to Dec. 4 After CBFC Clears ‘A’ Cert

The theatrical release of Prasanna Bisht-starrer folk-horror film “Bokshi” has been postponed from Oct. 9 to Dec. 4, 2026, after a Central Board of Film Certification review of its supernatural content, according to Bollywood Hungama and NorthEast Now. Lorien Motion Pictures announced the new date Thursday, saying the film will open in select cinemas across India rather than the previously planned all-India day-and-date push.

The CBFC’s Examining Committee referred the film to the Revising Committee for further scrutiny over its supernatural themes, depiction of witchcraft, gruesome violence and bloodshed, both outlets reported. The Revising Committee has since cleared “Bokshi” with an “A” certificate and minimal modifications. Producers said the later date will absorb the certification delay and leave room for a fuller theatrical campaign before audiences see the finished cut.

In a statement quoted by Bollywood Hungama, Lorien Motion Pictures said: “Due to its supernatural themes, depiction of witchcraft, and gruesome violence, BOKSHI was recently referred by the CBFC’s Examining Committee to the Revising Committee for further review. We are thrilled to share that the Revising Committee has now cleared the film with an ‘A’ certificate with minimal modifications.” The banner called the move a “brief pause” aimed at a “seamless theatrical rollout,” thanking partners, media, creators and audiences for their patience.

Directed by Assam filmmaker Bhargav Saikia in his feature debut and written by debutant screenwriter and executive producer Harsh Vaibhav, “Bokshi” blends folk horror, mystery and coming-of-age elements. The story follows Anahita, a troubled teenager whose school trek to a remote prehistoric site draws her toward an ancient legend as myth and reality begin to converge. NorthEast Now noted that Saikia, from Biswanath Chariali in Assam, shot the film extensively in Sikkim, grounding the supernatural premise in Himalayan locations.

Bisht leads the cast alongside Mansi Multani and Siddharth Shaw, while Shernaz Patel voices the titular character. The multilingual film uses Hindi, English and Nepali dialogue plus Boksirit, a fictional language created for the production by Dutch linguist Jan van Steenbergen, Bollywood Hungama reported. Saikia also produces under the Lorien Motion Pictures banner, keeping creative control close to the northeast filmmaking team that developed the project.

Before the Indian theatrical push, “Bokshi” premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 2025 and played the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival and SXSW Sydney. Bollywood Hungama said the trailer, released weeks before the planned October opening, drew an encouraging response among younger viewers and fans of horror and genre cinema, even as certification timing forced the schedule change.

With Dec. 4 now locked, the team is expected to use the extra weeks to intensify promotions and complete release preparations for the select-cinema rollout. No further certification hurdles were reported after the Revising Committee clearance. The shift keeps the film away from the crowded early-October window while preserving the adult “A” rating that matches its graphic folklore content. For more film and entertainment coverage, visit our Bollywood page.

Verification: Release postponement, CBFC Examining and Revising Committee path, “A” certificate with minimal modifications, cast, languages, Sikkim shoot and festival run come from Bollywood Hungama (Oct. 8, 4:07 p.m. IST) and NorthEast Now (Oct. 8). Producer statement language is quoted from the Hungama report.