Censor board sticks to name change demand for JSK

The release of Janaki Vs State of Kerala, starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, has hit a major hurdle. Just days before its planned release on June 27, the Censor Board’s revision committee upheld its earlier decision, insisting that the film’s title character’s name be changed.

The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, was screened in Mumbai on Thursday. The committee agreed with the original demand that the name “Janaki,” used by Anupama’s character, must be altered. However, the filmmakers say making such a change is nearly impossible.

They pointed out that the name “Janaki” is used over 90 times throughout the film, and altering it at this stage would be extremely difficult and costly. They also said they have not been given a clear reason why the name must be changed.

The controversy has sparked backlash in the Malayalam film industry. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has announced a protest in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. They are urging other film bodies to join the protest and will address the issue further at a press conference in Kochi on Friday.

With the censor board holding firm and filmmakers unable to comply, the release of Janaki Vs State of Kerala now hangs in the balance.