Janaki vs State of Kerala was purported to be released in theatres last month, specifically on June 27, 2025. Nevertheless, the film was not released that day, and the explanation behind the delay was widely publicized by the makers.
The movie, starring Anupama Parameswaran and Suresh Gopi, missed its release date since it had not received approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The makers needed to approach the judiciary for help. The CBFC’s primary issue was with the lead character’s name, Janaki, who’s portrayed as an assault survivor.
What Were The Objections Raised By The CBFC Against Janaki vs State of Kerala?
In line with Onmanorama, the CBFC raised two primary objections. First, the board argued that naming a personality after “Janaki,” another name of Goddess Sita, “fundamentally undermines the dignity and sanctity related to the revered persona of the Goddess, thereby causing grave offence to non secular sentiments.”
One other commentary reportedly made by the CBFC concerns a scene where Janaki is cross-examined by a lawyer who practices one other religion. He questions Janaki about whether she used drugs to reinforce the pleasure of her intimate encounters, whether she consumed adult explicit content, and whether she had a romantic partner.
The CBFC believes such content can potentially affect public order and offend religious sentiments. All of this was communicated to the court in an affidavit.
Opposing the certification of the Malayalam film “Janaki vs State of Kerala”, the Central Board of Film Certification told the Kerala High Court in an affidavit that the objection is regarding the proven fact that within the movie, the title character “Janaki”, which is one other name of… pic.twitter.com/SvO1lwrv4N
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) July 9, 2025
Janaki vs State Of Kerala Moving Forward After CBFC’s Offered Compromise
As a compromise, the CBFC offered that the film doesn’t need the initially suggested 96 cuts. Nevertheless, to be certified, three changes should be made: two scenes within the film should be altered, and the title should be modified from Janaki vs. State of Kerala to Janaki V vs. State of Kerala, with “V” standing for Vidhyadharan, Janaki’s last name.
Two alterations will likely be made within the cross-examination scenes where her full name is mentioned twice. The counsel representing the CBFC communicated that the board will certify the film inside three days of receiving the revised version. The makers have agreed to those terms. One other hearing is scheduled for next week.
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