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The Kerala High Court on Friday, June 27, questioned the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) objection to the use of the name ‘Janaki’ in the upcoming Malayalam film JSK – Janaki Vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the film’s production house, seeking certification for the movie. Justice N Nagaresh observed that ‘Janaki’ is a widely used and common name and wondered how its use could attract objections, especially when iconic films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Ram Lakhan were released without controversy.
The film, which deals with mature themes including sexual violence, was scheduled for a worldwide release on June 27 but faced a setback after the CBFC issued a show-cause notice. The board cited provisions under the Cinematograph Act restricting content that could potentially offend religious sentiments. It argued that using the name ‘Janaki’, associated with the Hindu goddess Sita, was inappropriate given the film’s subject matter.
Appearing for Cosmos Entertainments, counsel argued that the CBFC’s revising committee had no authority under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules to issue such a notice. The committee’s role, the counsel maintained, is limited to suggesting edits or cuts if required.
The High Court has directed the CBFC to place the show-cause notice before it on June 30. It also advised the producers to respond to the notice or pursue an appeal.
Meanwhile, protests have been announced by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), accusing the CBFC of obstructing the film’s release without valid grounds. FEFKA, along with other film industry bodies including the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), will stage a demonstration outside the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.
In a statement, FEFKA criticised the CBFC’s demand to alter the film’s title and the protagonist’s name, calling it an arbitrary exercise of power beyond the board’s guidelines. “These actions betray filmmakers at a time when the film industry is already facing severe crises,” the statement read. The organisation urged directors, producers, and other film workers to unite in protest, saying, “We must stand together to resist such injustices.”
The legal battle began on June 25 when Cosmos Entertainments first approached the Kerala High Court, seeking a directive for the CBFC to certify JSK – Janaki Vs State of Kerala without further delay. The petition revealed that the film was submitted for certification through the e-cinemapramaan portal on June 12, with censor screenings completed by June 18.
While the CBFC had not formally raised objections during the screening, the producers claimed they received informal instructions to change the title and character name due to its religious association. They also pointed out that the film’s trailer, which used the same title and character name, had already been certified by the CBFC without any objections.
The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on June 30.