
‘Janaki Vs State of Kerala' denied clearance again; censor board demands name change
The release of 'Janaki Vs State of Kerala', which stars
Suresh Gopi
and
Anupama Parameswaran
in the lead, has been thrown into uncertainty yet again.
Just a day ahead of its scheduled release on June 27, the film has failed to secure clearance from the Censor Board's revision committee.
According to On Manorama, the committee, which viewed the film in Mumbai on Thursday, upheld an earlier directive from the Board, insisting that the name of the titular character "Janaki" be changed.
The revision committee's decision has stunned the film's creators, who were optimistic about the movie's release after receiving clearance from the regional panel in Kerala. Director Pravin Narayanan took to Facebook to share the latest setback, revealing that the Censor Board remains adamant despite the Kerala panel having approved the film.
The director's post read, 'റിവൈസ് കമ്മിറ്റിയിൽ ജാനകിക്ക് വെട്ട്, ജാനകിയുടെ പെരുമാറ്റാൻ ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ട് റിവൈസ് കമ്മിറ്റി.
'
Filmmakers say name change not possible
According to the film's team, changing the character's name at this stage is not feasible. 'The name 'Janaki' is spoken more than 90 times throughout the movie. Altering it would compromise the film's integrity,' the makers said in a statement. What's causing further frustration is the lack of clarity from the Board—they have yet to specify why the name 'Janaki' is considered problematic.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Janaki vs State Of Kerala - Official Teaser
The film tells the story of a woman, played by Anupama Parameshwaran, who challenges the state in a courtroom drama. Suresh Gopi, returning to a powerful role, adds weight to the legal thriller that has now become the centre of a censorship controversy.
Industry bodies gear up for protest
The film industry has begun rallying behind the team. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) announced plans to protest against the Censor Board's decision. A demonstration is being organized in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, and FEFKA has also called on other film associations to show solidarity. A press conference will be held in Kochi on Friday (June 27) to address the issue publicly and lay out the path forward.
As of now, 'Janaki Vs State of Kerala' remains uncertified, and its release has been put on hold indefinitely.
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