Malayalam film starring Union Minister overcomes censorship hurdle after title modification.
After weeks of uncertainty and legal battles, the Malayalam film starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi has finally received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and is set to hit the theatres on July 17, 2025.
The film, originally titled "Janaki vs State of Kerala," has been retitled to "JSK: Janaki V vs State of Kerala" following negotiations between the filmmakers and the censor board. The Kerala High Court on Wednesday closed the petition filed by production house Cosmos Entertainments against the CBFC's delayed certification.
After the objections on the title of the movie, the CBFC had first issued objections, saying that by using a character name, Janaki, also used in the name of the Hindu goddess, Sita, to refer to a rape survivor character could prompt a religious offence. At first, the board asked the film to have more than 96 cuts, but finally, they settled at two cuts only on the particularities.
The alterations involved the insertion of the complete name of the character Janaki V (to signify Janaki Vidhyadharan) to the title, and also muting the naming of Janaki in a decisive sequence where the character is being cross-examined at court. The filmmakers readily agreed to these changes to ensure the film's release.
Justice N Nagaresh of the Kerala High Court, who had earlier watched the film at a studio in Kochi, questioned the CBFC's stance. "Has anyone complained about the name Janaki? Whose sentiments are being hurt?" the judge asked, criticising the board for interfering with artistic freedom.
The court also clarified that the use of earlier promotional materials and teasers with the original title would not make the producers liable for any legal action, providing relief to the filmmakers who had already invested in marketing campaigns.
Directed by Pravin Narayanan, the film tells the powerful story of a rape survivor's legal battle for justice. Besides Suresh Gopi, the movie also stars Anupama Parameswaran in pivotal roles. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's struggle through the legal system while dealing with the trauma of sexual assault.
The film was initially scheduled for release on June 27, but the CBFC's objections led to significant delays. The production company had approached the court after the board failed to issue a certificate despite the application being submitted on June 12.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and censorship in Indian cinema. The film joins a growing list of movies that have faced similar challenges, including "Lipstick Under My Burkha," "Padmaavat," and more recently, "L2: Empuraan."
Critics argue that the CBFC's role should be limited to classification rather than censorship, allowing audiences to make informed choices about the content they consume. The controversy surrounding this film has reignited debates about the boundaries of creative freedom and the need for institutional reforms in film certification.
With the U/A certification now in hand, "JSK: Janaki V vs State of Kerala" is set to release across Kerala and other markets on July 17, 2025. The film represents a significant project for Suresh Gopi, who balances his roles as both a Union Minister and an active actor in the Malayalam film industry.
The resolution of this case sets a precedent for how similar conflicts between filmmakers and censorship boards might be handled in the future, emphasising the importance of dialogue and compromise in preserving artistic integrity while addressing legitimate concerns.
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