JSK row: Malayalam film fraternity rallies behind Suresh Gopi-starrer, ‘Even during the Emergency period…’

There seems to be no end to the controversy surrounding Janaki v/s State of Kerala or JSK starring actor-politician Suresh Gopi in the lead. The film got into trouble when the Central Board of Film Certification took objection to the use of Janaki in the title, citing that it is the name of the goddess. The matter is currently in court with the Kerala High Court set to see JSK before giving its verdict. Even as the JSK row plays out in court, the Malayalam film fraternity has come together to support the film, vehemently opposing the suggestion to change the name. Noted actors, producers and even scriptwriters have been voicing their protest over the move, saying it is 'arbitrary' and 'anti-democratic'.

JSK row: Malayalam actors, producers voice their protest

After the CBFC sought to change the name of Janaki from the movie, Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) have formally registered their protest. Noted actor and producer Maniyanpilla Raju slammed too the suggestion. “Saying that Janaki name cannot be used is so bad. Even during the Emergency period, such cruel things did not happen. If that is the case, now we can’t name Narayanan, Vishnu or Ganapathi for characters,” Maniyanpilla Raju said. He further said that all the artistes, technicians will protest this move. Raju, who was seen in Mohanlal’s Thudarum, also pointed out that if this were allowed, then there won’t be any film or artistic work in future.

Thudarum producer M Renjith too voiced support for JSK, such arbitrary decisions can never be accepted. “After all these years of hard work, it cannot be abruptly said that Janaki cannot be used in the movie. Then the Censor Board guidelines should state that Janaki name should not be used,” he remarked. Even while stating that they were ready to follow the rules, the Malayalam producer termed the board’s move as 'anti-democratic'.

Also read: Janaki v/s State of Kerala: HC to watch the Suresh Gopi-starrer ahead of proceedings

Many also pointed out that most names will be related to deities or religions, and hence questioned the logic of asking to change the name. Noted screenwriter Renji Panicker also made scathing comments against the JSK row, calling the current developments as disturbing. He said that these could lead to a future where characters will have to be given numbers instead of names. Notably, Renji Panicker has penned several of Suresh Gopi's hit films, including Commissioner, directed by Shaji Kailas.

Young Malayalam actor Askar Ali, on the other hand, had a more blunt reaction, remarking, “If the board refuses to issue a certificate over the name controversy, then I would say that the board should be shut down.”

But even when the film fraternity throws its weight behind JSK, the film's leading man, Suresh Gopi, is yet to publicly react to the issue.