Janaki v/s State of Kerala row comes to an end; Suresh Gopi film to undergo these changes
In the Kerala High Court, the JSK makers accepted the CBFC's recommendations for two modifications. The Board would grant the certification within three days of receiving the edited version.
Last Updated: 07.04 PM, Jul 09, 2025
After weeks of controversy and legal battle, the dispute involving the Malayalam film Janaki v/s State of Kerala and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been resolved today (July 9). At the Kerala High Court, the film's makers accepted the CBFC's most recent recommendations for two modifications.
Latest changes in Janaki v/s State of Kerala
'Janaki' will no longer appear in the title, and the film's two sequences will mute the name's calling, according to the new changes. Cosmos Entertainment, the film's producer, has consented to rename the movie from Janaki to Janaki V. Additionally, they have chosen to mute the name in two sequences in which a lawyer "strongly" cross-examines the sexual assault survivor in court.
In light of this, the Kerala High Court ordered the board to provide a censor certificate no more than three days following the modifications. Additionally, it has been confirmed that the Board would grant the certification within three days of receiving the edited version of the courtroom drama.
CBFC's suggestions for Janaki v/s State of Kerala
The film was in the news because of the Central Board of Film Certification's dispute over the title and the name of the lead female character in the Suresh Gopi-starrer. The identity of the main character, a victim of sexual assault who is pursuing justice, raised issues for the board before the movie's theatrical release. Additionally, they asserted that the name—which is another name for the Hindu goddess Sita— would hurt the religious views of a particular community. It recommended more than 95 cuts for the film.
During the latest sessions, the Kerala High Court had questioned the rationale behind CBFC's recommendations for changes. During the hearing today (July 9), the producers finally consented, although they strongly opposed making any alterations in the movie. Pravin Narayanan has directed this film, which also stars Anupama Parameswaran, Shruti Ramachandran and Madhav Suresh in pivotal roles.