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JSK: No release date in sight for Suresh Gopi’s Malayalam film as CBFC insists on changing Janaki

JSK: Janaki v/s State of Kerala is unlikely to get a release date soon as the Central Board of Film Certification continues to raise objection to the use of the name Janaki in the Malayalam film

JSK: No release date in sight for Suresh Gopi’s Malayalam film as CBFC insists on changing Janaki
JSK stars Anupama Parameswaran, Suresh Gopi

Last Updated: 08.11 PM, Jun 27, 2025

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The Malayalam film Janaki v/s State of Kerala or JSK, starring actor-politician Suresh Gopi, was slated to release in theatres on June 27, 2025. But on the d-day, the makers of the Suresh Gopi-led legal drama were making their case in court, seeking to get a nod for releasing the film. However, JSK is unlikely to get a release date soon as the Central Board of Film Certification continues to raise objections to the use of the name Janaki in the Malayalam film, insisting on changing it even when the case came up in the Kerala High Court on Friday.

How is Janaki a problem? Kerala HC asks CBFC

A day after the revising committee too sought a change in the name of the lead character Janaki in the Malayalam movie JSK, the Kerala High Court reviewed the matter and sought the rationale behind such an objection.

As per reports on Live Law, HC Justice N. Nagaresh cited examples of movie names such as Seeta Aur Geeta and Ram Lakhan that nobody had a problem with, and asked, “Then how come for Janaki there is a complaint?”

Poster of Janaki v/s State of Kerala
Poster of Janaki v/s State of Kerala

However, the CBFC counsel cited guidelines issued by the Centre. As the film delves into sexual violence against women, the name Janaki cannot be used and the film would be deemed suitable for public exhibition only if it removes or changes the name of Janaki, according to the report on Live Law.

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The makers of JSK, which is produced by Cosmos Entertainment, had earlier said that Janaki is used in about 90 instances in the movie and that they have no intention to change it. BJP MP Suresh, who stars in the lead role of an advocate, is yet to comment on the issue. Anupama Parameswaran appears in the titular role of Janaki in the film, helmed by Pravin Narayanan.

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After facing a delay in getting the CBFC certification, the makers had moved the Kerala HC. The film was then sent to the revising committee, which also refused to give the nod for the film on Thursday.

As there seems to be no consensus yet on the issue, the uncertainty over when JSK will release continues.

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