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Janaki Vs State of Kerala: Censor board makes U-turn on cuts, allows name with twist

Janaki Vs State of Kerala: Censor board makes U-turn on cuts, allows name with twist

India Today09-07-2025
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly altered its original position on the film 'Janaki Vs State of Kerala'. Initially, the board recommended 96 cuts and changes, but during a Kerala High Court hearing on July 9, it agreed to certify the film with just two minor cuts. The film, featuring actor and politician Suresh Gopi, was challenged over naming the film's protagonist as 'Janaki', especially due to its association with the Hindu goddess Sita, deemed inappropriate for a narrative involving a woman facing sexual abuse.advertisementThe board's earlier stance included extensive editing demands (read 96), which the makers found unacceptable. The case reached the Kerala High Court, where the Board's counsel revealed a more lenient approach. The board now allows the title 'Janaki' to be retained, with a slight twist - altering it to 'Janaki V Vs State of Kerala' or 'V Janaki Vs State of Kerala', reflecting the full name of the protagonist, Janaki Vidhyadharan.In addition to the title alteration, the CBFC suggested muting the protagonist's name during the cross-examination scene in the movie. "In the subject film, when the lead character, who is named after Goddess Sita/Janaki, is raped, she is then aided by a man belonging to one particular religious community and is cross-examined and asked harrowing questions by a person belonging to another religious community. This religious dichotomy in the treatment of a character bearing Goddess Sita's sacred name has the potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious groups", the affidavit from the censor board said.
The affidavit further stated that if this scene is approved, similar scenes of a similar nature will continue to be repeated in films.The Kerala High Court, overseen by Justice Nagaresh, has requested the filmmakers to present their views on these suggestions in a subsequent hearing, scheduled for later today. This development indicates a shift in the board's initial decision, offering a more feasible path for the film's release.Justice N Nagaresh adjourned the hearing to 1:45 pm, allowing the petitioners' counsel to seek instructions from the film's producers on the proposed revisions.The court had earlier watched the film on Saturday, July 5.The initial resistance against the film stemmed largely from the Mumbai division of the CBFC, which found the use of 'Janaki' problematic. However, the Kerala division had already passed the film without objections, highlighting regional disparities in the certification process. This case underscores the complexities and challenges filmmakers face with regional differences in censorship standards across India.The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future films dealing with similar themes and titles, as the film industry continues to navigate the intricate landscape of content regulation.'Janaki vs State of Kerala' features Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles. It was originally set for release on 20 June, but the conflict has led to significant delays. The film's creators earlier expressed frustration, describing the CBFC's demands as "arbitrary" and "unwarranted."- EndsMust Watch
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