The release of the Malayalam movie JSK-Janaki vs. State of Kerala, starring Suresh Gopi, has been halted by the CBFC due to the use of the name Janaki, a name for Goddess Sita.
The release of the Malayalam film JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala, featuring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and actor Anupama Parameswaran, has reportedly encountered a major hurdle after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) denied screening clearance due to objections over the title. The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, centers around a woman named Janaki and her legal battle against the state following an assault.
Industry insiders have indicated that the CBFC raised concerns over the name ‘Janaki’, citing its close association with Goddess Sita. The Board reportedly objected to the use of this name for a character portrayed as a victim of assault, suggesting that religious sentiments could be hurt by the portrayal.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, director Pravin confirmed the delay, stating that the censor board has refused certification. “There will be no release on June 27,” he wrote, without providing further explanation.
Meanwhile, B Unnikrishnan, general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), addressed the issue publicly on Sunday. He told reporters in Kochi that while the filmmakers have not yet received a formal show-cause notice, they expect one to be delivered by Monday.
“They have not received any written information in this regard. A show-cause notice is yet to be received. They expect to get it by Monday,” Unnikrishnan said. He added, “The CBFC clearly stated to the film’s crew that the name Sita cannot be used either in the title or for the character in the movie. The story is about the legal fight carried out by an assaulted woman against the state. It is said (by the Board) that Goddess Sita’s name cannot be given to the woman character who suffered assault.”
Unnikrishnan also pointed out that this is not the first instance of such an objection. He said that another Malayalam filmmaker recently had to change a character’s name from Janaki to Jayanthi in order to receive CBFC approval.
Calling the situation “strange,” Unnikrishnan questioned the increasing limitations being placed on creative freedom in Indian cinema. “Where is this country heading?” he asked. “Filmmakers are even denied the freedom to give the characters in their films the names of their choice.”
He further noted the growing challenge of naming Hindu characters in cinema, as many common names are often also epithets of deities.
As of now, neither Suresh Gopi nor the film’s production team has issued an official statement regarding the CBFC’s directive or the potential title change.
(With inputs from PTI)
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