Janaki v/s State of Kerala director puts up a scathing FB post amid CBFC certification row over deity name: 'Taliban is not ruling here…
Janaki v/s State of Kerala JSK row: After reports claimed that the name of the deity ‘Janaki’ being used in the film caused the CBFC row, Pravin Narayanan penned a strong note of objection on Facebook
Last Updated: 07.35 PM, Jun 25, 2025
The upcoming Malayalam movie, Janaki v/s State of Kerala (JSK), has been at the centre of a raging controversy after it was denied certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, starring actor and BJP MP Suresh Gopi, was slated to release in theatres on June 27, 2025. The makers of JSK have now approached the Kerala High Court after it was claimed that the use of the deity name ‘Janaki’ led to the delay. Amid this, JSK director Pravin Narayanan has put up a scathing post on Facebook, slamming the board for the delay in issuing the certification, stating that “Taliban is not ruling” the place.
JSK director Pravin Narayanan on CBFC certification row
The young Malayalam filmmaker Pravin Narayanan helms Janaki v/s State of Kerala, which stars actor-politician Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran. As the delay in receiving the CBFC certification meant that the film was unlikely to keep its release date of June 27, Pravin Narayanan took to his Facebook account and penned a strong note of objection.
In his post written in Malayalam, Pravin Narayanan stated that “Taliban is not ruling here to state that movies should not be named after deities.”
While pointing out that there are 33 crore deities in Hinduism, he said it was an ‘extreme fascist attitude’ to state that such names cannot be given to humans or used in movies.
He further said that this film, a courtroom drama, has no connection to mythology or historical tales. Based on real incidents, this film narrates the struggle for survival of a victim, he said, adding that he has a strong conviction that the revising committee will see the movie for what it is. Notably, the film's teaser was certified earlier
JSK legal battle
Meanwhile, the CBFC has informed the Kerala High Court that Suresh Gopi-starrer JSK has been referred to the revising committee, which will meet on June 26. The Kerala High Court has asked the board to submit the revising committee’s decision before the bench on June 27.