Suresh Gopi’s film JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala faced CBFC objections over the use of the name ‘Janaki’. Producers have now agreed to changes for censor clearance.
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KOCHI: The Malayalam movie JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala, featuring Union Minister and BJP leader Suresh Gopi, has faced a delay in release after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised serious objections.
The producers have now agreed to make certain changes, and the film is expected to release soon once the censor certificate is issued.
Originally planned for a worldwide release on June 27, the film could not proceed as scheduled because the CBFC had initially proposed 96 cuts.
However, during a hearing in the Kerala High Court, the CBFC informed that it now requires only two specific changes.
What Changes Did CBFC Demand?
- The first demand is to modify the subtitle ‘Janaki v State of Kerala’ by changing ‘Janaki’ to ‘Janaki V’ or ‘V Janaki’. This aligns the title with the character’s full name, Janaki Vidhyadharan.
- The second demand is to mute the name ‘Janaki’ during a courtroom cross-examination scene.
The CBFC explained that the name Janaki is another name for the Hindu goddess Sita, and using it in a film with such sensitive content could hurt religious sentiments.
CBFC’s Reasons Explained in Court Affidavit
In its affidavit submitted to the Kerala High Court, the CBFC gave five clear reasons for objecting to the use of the name ‘Janaki’ in the film.
1. Association with a Rape Victim
The character named Janaki is shown as a rape survivor who suffers through traumatic experiences while seeking justice.
“Such a portrayal fundamentally undermines the dignity and sanctity associated with the revered persona of Goddess Sita, thereby causing grave offense to religious sentiments”,
-the CBFC stated.
2. Offensive Cross-Examination
The film includes a courtroom scene where Janaki is asked intrusive questions like whether she watches pornography, uses drugs for sexual pleasure, has a boyfriend, or was pregnant before the assault.
“It is submitted that the posing of such provocative questions to a character named after Goddess Sita will have the tendency to disrupt public order and offend religious settlements”,
-the CBFC contended.
3. Religious Division in Character Interactions
The affidavit pointed out that after Janaki is raped, she is helped by a person from one religious community and is cross-examined by a person from another religious community.
“This religious dichotomy in the treatment of a character bearing Goddess Sita’s sacred name has the potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious groups”,
-the CBFC’s affidavit said.
4. Intentional Use of a Sacred Name
The CBFC claimed that the filmmakers knowingly used a name that holds strong religious meaning.
“The [producers] could have easily changed the name of both the lead character and the film and ensured that the same does not have any religious connotations. Such an approach would have preserved the film’s core messaging and the makers’ artistic vision while avoiding offense to religious sentiments and threats to public order,”
-the CBFC stated.
5. Risk of Setting a Precedent
The CBFC warned that allowing this film to release as it is could encourage future misuse of religious names in inappropriate contexts.
“If this Hon’ble Court were to allow this film today, producers in the future would be emboldened to appropriate sacred religious names for characters in similarly inappropriate and offensive subject matter, thereby systematically undermining religious sentiments across communities and posing a serious threat to public order,”
-the CBFC contended.
Producers Agree to Modify the Film
Though the producers initially challenged the CBFC’s stance in court, they have now agreed to make the required changes.
Following this, the Kerala High Court has directed the CBFC to issue a censor certificate within three days of receiving the modified version.
CASE TITLE:
M/s Cosmos Entertainments vs The Regional Officer.
WP(C) 23326/ 2025
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