A major censorship battle has erupted in the Malayalam film industry over ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala,’ starring Suresh Gopi. The CBFC has demanded a title change, sparking protests from AMMA, the Producers Association, and FEFKA. The controversy centers around the name ‘Janaki,’ which the CBFC believes should not be used, as it is associated with the Hindu goddess Sita. The film’s release has been postponed due to the disagreement.
The courtroom drama, directed by Pravin Narayanan, features Suresh Gopi as the senior advocate for a woman named Janaki, who is suing the state after an assault. The CBFC initially approved the film with a U/A certificate, but the Mumbai headquarters later intervened. The requirement to change the title would necessitate alterations to the film’s dialogues.
FEFKA President B Unnikrishnan has strongly opposed the censorship, urging Suresh Gopi, a Union Minister, to intervene and defend artistic freedom. He emphasized the need for the entire industry to stand against the decision, which he described as arbitrary and disturbing, particularly as the film does not contain any religious references. The film’s producers have approached the Kerala High Court to challenge the CBFC’s directive, and Suresh Gopi has yet to comment publicly.