Latest news with #JanakiVsStateofKerala
Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Janaki Vs State of Kerala to release on OTT, here's when and where you can watch it
Janaki Vs State of Kerala, starring Suresh Gopi in the lead role, after a short break from films, is all set for its streaming debut in the coming days. The courtroom drama, directed by Praveen Narayanan, had faced several controversies surrounding its theatrical release since the censors refused to clear the film unless the makers changed the name. The name 'Janaki', according to their argument, demeaned the name of goddesses Sita, who is also called 'Janaki' in Hindu mythology. After a long, arduous legal fight and a minor change in the title, the film was released to lukewarm response. Janaki Vs State of Kerala tells the story of a rape victim's crusade to find justice. Suresh Gopi plays the lead role alongside Anupama Parameswaran in the title role. The film was a throwback to an older mould of loud, over-the-top melodramatic crowd pleasers from our mainstream, where important social issues are served through the vessel of a courtroom drama. The film also had an extended supporting cast consisting of Madhav Suresh, Divya Pillai, and Shruthi Ramachandran. Janaki performed moderately well at the box office, although the treatment of the sensitive subject material undercut the gravity of the real issue at hand. A post shared by ZEE5 Malayalam (@zee5malayalam) Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran received favourable reviews for their intentionally loud performances that fit perfectly with the tone of the film. The film had cinematography by Renadive and a score by Ghibran. Janaki vs State of Kerala did not break any new ground in terms of its storytelling and relies on conventional cliches to drive home its points. The film will have its streaming release on Zee5 from August 15, a month after its theatrical run.
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
CBFC Revises Stand On Suresh Gopi's Janaki Vs State Of Kerala, Now Orders Just Two Cuts
Last Updated: The CBFC initially recommended 96 cuts for the film 'Janaki Vs State of Kerala' but later agreed to certify it with just two minor cuts after a Kerala High Court hearing. Posters of the film. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has now agreed to clear the film Janaki Vs State of Kerala with only two minor cuts, down from the 96 it originally recommended. The move came during a Kerala High Court hearing on July 9, 2025, where the board's counsel informed the court of its revised approach to the controversial film starring actor-politician Suresh Gopi and actress Anupama Parameswaran. The film had previously faced opposition from the Mumbai office of the CBFC over the use of the protagonist's name, 'Janaki', a name associated with the Hindu goddess Sita, in a narrative that includes sexual assault. The board considered the name inappropriate for the context and had cited concerns about the potential for religious discord. '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 CBFC stated in an affidavit submitted to the court. The affidavit also warned that permitting such portrayals could encourage similar scenes in future films. As a compromise, the board has now allowed the title to be retained with slight modifications – either Janaki V Vs State of Kerala or V Janaki Vs State of Kerala, reflecting the protagonist's full name, Janaki Vidhyadharan. Additionally, the CBFC has suggested muting the protagonist's name in a particular cross-examination scene. The Kerala division of the CBFC had previously cleared the film without objections, but the Mumbai office's concerns brought the issue to court, highlighting inconsistencies in certification across regions. The Kerala High Court, led by Justice N. Nagaresh, had earlier screened the film on July 5 and has now adjourned the matter to 1:45 pm today to allow the filmmakers time to respond to the proposed changes. Originally slated for release on June 20, the film's release has been delayed due to the certification dispute. The filmmakers have previously criticised the CBFC's initial demands as 'arbitrary" and 'unwarranted." Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
B Unnikrishnan slams censor board over ‘Janaki Vs State of Kerala' name change: 'Which age are we living in?'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Aarattu' director B Unnikrishnan has sharply criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its insistence on a title change in the upcoming Suresh Gopi-starrer Janaki Vs State of Kerala. As reported by On Manorama, speaking out after the CBFC claimed that using the name 'Janaki'—another name for the Hindu goddess Sita—was offensive due to the nature of questions posed to the character in a courtroom scene, Unnikrishnan called the reasoning 'shameful' and 'regressive. ' 'The CBFC has controversially claimed that a woman who has faced sexual abuse cannot be named Janaki,' he said, calling out what he sees as a dangerous precedent. 'It further highlights that she is being cross-examined by a lawyer of a different religion. Which age and time are we living in?' Muted dialogues, title change, clear film for certification After a brief legal standoff, the film's title has now been modified to Janaki V Vs State of Kerala, referencing the protagonist's full name, Janaki Vidhyadharan. The filmmakers also agreed to mute two instances where her full name is uttered during a controversial courtroom sequence. Janaki vs State Of Kerala - Official Hindi Teaser These edits, requested by the CBFC, occur between 1:06:45 and 1:08:36 in the film and follow the Board's concerns over lines that reference drug use, watching porn, and premarital relationships—questions posed to Janaki by a defence lawyer during her cross-examination. 'Does this mean Muslim lawyers can't defend Janaki?' asks director Unnikrishnan also took issue with the religious angle highlighted by the CBFC, which stated that the lawyer questioning Janaki belongs to another religion. 'By their logic, a Muslim lawyer like Haris Beeran, who defended the filmmakers in this case, can never take up a case involving a Hindu woman named Janaki,' he pointed out. The movie stars Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Censor Board Reverses Stance On 'Janaki Vs State Of Kerala'
The Central Board for Film Certification has dramatically reversed its position regarding the controversial film 'Janaki Vs State of Kerala', reducing its initial demand for 96 extensive edits to merely two minor alterations following intervention by the Kerala High Court. This significant shift occurred during a court hearing on July 9, where the censor board's counsel presented a substantially more accommodating approach to the film's certification process. The movie, starring actor-politician Suresh Gopi alongside Anupama Parameswaran, had faced severe censorship challenges primarily due to its protagonist's name 'Janaki', which references the Hindu goddess Sita. The board initially expressed concerns about depicting a character bearing this sacred name in a narrative involving sexual abuse, fearing potential religious sensitivities and communal tensions. Under the revised certification conditions, the censor board now permits retention of the title with a minor modification, suggesting either 'Janaki V Vs State of Kerala' or 'V Janaki Vs State of Kerala' to reflect the protagonist's complete name, Janaki Vidhyadharan. This compromise allows filmmakers to maintain the essential character identity while addressing the board's religious concerns through a simple naming convention adjustment. The second required modification involves muting the protagonist's name during a specific cross-examination scene within the film. According to the board's affidavit, this particular sequence depicts the character being assisted by an individual from one religious community while facing questioning from someone belonging to another religious group. The board argued that this religious dichotomy in treating a character named after Goddess Sita could potentially inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between different religious communities. The censor board's affidavit further warned that approving such scenes without modifications might encourage similar portrayals in future films, potentially establishing problematic precedents for religious representation in cinema. This reasoning reflects ongoing concerns about maintaining communal harmony while allowing artistic expression in Indian filmmaking. Justice N Nagaresh has scheduled a follow-up hearing for later today, requesting filmmakers to present their response to these certification suggestions. The court had previously screened the complete film on July 5 to better understand the contentious elements before making informed decisions about the censorship requirements. The case highlights significant regional disparities within India's film certification system, as the Mumbai division of the CBFC had raised the initial objections while the Kerala division had already approved the film without concerns. This discrepancy underscores the complex challenges filmmakers face when navigating varying censorship standards across different regional boards within the same national system. Originally scheduled for release on June 20, the film experienced considerable delays due to this certification conflict. The producers had previously criticized the board's extensive editing demands as "arbitrary" and "unwarranted", expressing frustration with what they perceived as excessive interference in their creative work. This development represents a significant victory for the filmmakers, who can now proceed with minimal modifications rather than the extensive restructuring initially demanded. The case may establish important precedents for future films dealing with similar themes involving religious references and sensitive social issues. The resolution demonstrates how judicial intervention can facilitate dialogue between censorship authorities and creative professionals, potentially leading to more balanced approaches that respect both artistic freedom and cultural sensitivities. The outcome awaits final confirmation following today's scheduled hearing where producers will respond to the board's revised certification can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. Sonnet 4
India Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Janaki Vs State of Kerala: Censor board makes U-turn on cuts, allows name with twist
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 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 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 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 N Nagaresh adjourned the hearing to 1:45 pm, allowing the petitioners' counsel to seek instructions from the film's producers on the proposed court had earlier watched the film on Saturday, July 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 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
