Janaki v/s State of Kerala: Makers confirm 'no plans to change title or character's name'
Janaki v/s State of Kerala - The makers have now affirmed that they have no plans to alter the situation and take legal action in response to the CBFC's action.
Last Updated: 07.53 PM, Jun 24, 2025
Suresh Gopi's latest Malayalam film, Janaki v/s State of Kerala, has been in the news for a while after an issue was raised by the Central Board of Film Certification over its title and the lead character's name. The makers have now affirmed that they have no plans to alter the situation and take legal action in response to the CBFC's action.
Makers decide to not make any changes in JSK
The filmmaker and producers discussed their side of the ongoing legal concerns surrounding the film's June 27 cinema release postponement at a press meet in Kochi. They disclosed that they have not received a written explanation explaining why CBFC ordered the title and character's name, Janaki, to be changed. "Prior to the film's production, we were not provided with any guidelines. Many people's efforts, time, and money are impacted by this," the makers stated. Additionally, they said that the hoardings have already been released and that the advertising activities are nearly finished. Producers will now have to pay crores for these alterations.
The CBFC has proposed more than 90 edits, which the film's director Pravin Narayanan stated would significantly impact the story and the actors in it. A review committee will view the movie on Thursday and evaluate the problem, the producers have also disclosed.
What is the issue over Janaki v/s State of Kerala?
The Central Board of Film Certification has rejected the film's release because "Janaki" alludes to a Hindu deity. The use of the name in the title and throughout the movie has drawn criticism from the board. According to recent speculations, the producers have been told to make the required adjustments to both of them as soon as possible in order to prevent postponing the movie's theatrical premiere. The board's action hindered this movie from being released in theatres.
Given that it would limit the creative freedom of many filmmakers, FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan questioned the reasoning behind CBFC's objection while speaking to a media outlet. He has also declared that his organisation will not hold back from protesting against the board's decision.