A censorship row has erupted over the title of the Malayalam film ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala,’ leading to protests from the Malayalam film industry. The CBFC has raised objections, requesting a name change due to the title’s reference to ‘Janaki,’ a name associated with the Hindu goddess Sita. The film’s release, starring Suresh Gopi, has been delayed as a result.
The protest, organized by AMMA, the Producers Association, and FEFKA, took place in front of the CBFC regional office in Thiruvananthapuram. The film, a courtroom drama directed by Pravin Narayanan, tells the story of a woman named Janaki who is in a legal battle with the state after a traumatic assault. Suresh Gopi plays the role of the senior advocate representing Janaki. The CBFC’s concern is that the name ‘Janaki’ should not be used for a woman who has been assaulted.
The film had initially received a U/A certificate from the Thiruvananthapuram CBFC office before being sent to Mumbai for final approval. The demand for a title change would require modifications to the film’s dialogues. B Unnikrishnan of FEFKA has criticized the censorship, calling it unjustified and a threat to artistic freedom. He called on Suresh Gopi to intervene, given his position as a Union Minister, and to address the government’s approach to cinema and culture. The producers have sought legal recourse by approaching the Kerala High Court.