Kerala HC to Review ‘Janaki v/s State’ Title Dispute

The Kerala High Court is reviewing the Malayalam film Janaki v/s State of Kerala after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised objections to its title. The CBFC argued that using the name Janaki—another name for Hindu goddess Sita—was inappropriate for a film centered around sexual assault.

However, the High Court questioned this claim. Justice N Nagaresh stated that many Indian names have religious associations and noted that several films have used names of gods and goddesses without issue. The court also pointed out that the teaser had previously been cleared by the CBFC with no objections. To better assess the matter, the judge has decided to privately screen the film on July 5, with the next hearing scheduled for July 9.

The film’s producers, M/s Cosmos Entertainments, filed a petition after the CBFC failed to issue a censor certificate despite receiving the application on June 12. The filmmakers claim that the delay is not only causing financial losses but also violates their right to freedom of expression under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.

Protests have erupted, with members of the Malayalam film industry gathering outside the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing the board of arbitrary actions that restrict creative freedom.

The film stars Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi as a lawyer defending Janaki, a rape survivor. Gopi has not yet commented on the controversy. Originally slated for a June 27 release, the film remains on hold pending the High Court’s decision after the private screening.