• Source:JND
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The Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala hit a roadblock due to its title, which the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to, citing potential hurt to religious sentiments. The board claimed the name "Janaki" was another name for the Hindu goddess Sita and might be deemed insensitive given the film's themes.

Initially, the CBFC demanded 96 cuts and a title change, sparking a controversy that drew attention from film industry bodies like FEFKA, which called for a re-evaluation of the board's guidelines.

All about the case: The Kerala High Court was informed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) lawyer that the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala would be cleared with only two changes. Firstly, the title would be modified to Janaki V vs State of Kerala to clarify that the name Janaki refers to the main character, Janaki Vidyadharan and not the goddess. Secondly, the CBFC requested that the name Janaki be muted during a courtroom cross-examination scene.

Notably, the CBFC had initially demanded 96 cuts, but after court intervention, they agreed to just these two changes. The filmmakers accepted these conditions, paving the way for the film's release on July 17, 2025, starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran.

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About the movie: J.S.K – Janaki V v/s State of Kerala is a 2025 Indian Malayalam-language legal thriller film that brings to life a gripping courtroom drama. Written and directed by Pravin Narayanan, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Suresh Gopi as a powerful lawyer and Anupama Parameswaran as Janaki, a strong woman who confronts an unjust system.