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Hans India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kerala HC closes case, MoS Suresh Gopi's film to release tomorrow
Kochi: After weeks of legal wrangling and uncertainty, Union Minister of State for Tourism and BJP leader Suresh Gopi's latest film, Janaki. V vs State of Kerala, on Wednesday, has finally been cleared for release by the Kerala High Court. The court has said that the prime grievance of the petitioner now stands redressed. The film will be released on Thursday. On July 12, all the decks was cleared when the film received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, originally titled "Janaki vs State of Kerala", ran into trouble when the CBFC objected to the use of the name "Janaki" in the title, citing concerns under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act. The production company challenged the decision in the Kerala High Court, initiating a legal battle that drew considerable public attention. Following three rounds of hearings, the producers of the film, initially unwilling to change the title, agreed to a slight modification, renaming the film "Janaki. V vs State of Kerala" during the July 9 hearing. The production team's counsel, Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran, said the compromise was a mutual decision after both parties opted for a softer approach. Initially, the CBFC had proposed 96 cuts to the film, but after multiple rounds of discussion, that number was reduced to just two. Additionally, two film dialogues were muted. The re-edited version was resubmitted on Saturday, and the CBFC promptly granted certification to the film, which was initially slated for release on June 27. During the July 2 hearing, Justice N. Nagaresh had remarked that the CBFC's objection to the name "Janaki" was unwarranted. "She is not a rapist. If a rapist were named Rama, Krishna, or Janaki, then I could understand the concern. But here, she is the heroine, a survivor seeking justice," the judge observed, defending the creative choice. With this the case has come to a close and now all eyes are on how the film will fare at the box office as more than adequate pre-publicity has already been received.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
CBFC finally certifies Janaki V vs State of Kerala after legal battle; new release date announced with tweaked title
After weeks of controversy over the film's title, the makers of Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran's Janaki V vs State of Kerala, previously named Janaki vs State of Kerala, have finally announced the movie's new release date. It was earlier stated to release on 20 June. Anupama Parameswaran and Suresh Gopi in a still from JSK - Janaki vs State of Kerala. CBFC finally certifies Janaki V vs State of Kerala Granted with a U/A 16 after the tough legal battle around the film's title, actor Suresh Gopi took to his Instagram handle to share the much-awaited release date of the film. The movie is now set to release worldwide on 17 July. While sharing the new release date, the makers wrote in a joint post, "Behind every delay... have a truth worth fighting for." and in the end that truth shall always prevail !!! JANAKAI V v/s STATE OF KERALA. U/A 16 CERTIFICATION WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON JULY 17TH." The controversy behind the title The release of the Malayalam movie Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister and superstar Suresh Gopi, was stalled following a demand from the Censor Board for a film title change. According to the film's makers, the censor board asked them to change the name Janaki, saying it also refers to the Hindu goddess Sita. The movie tells the story of a woman who faced assault and took legal fight against the state. The board reportedly said that God's name should not be given to a woman who was assaulted. The film's release was scheduled for 20 June. The regional office of CBFC in Thiruvananthapuram had cleared the film with a U/A certificate. The film was later forwarded to the CBFC headquarters in Mumbai, where officials demanded a change in the title. If the film's title is changed, many dialogues in the film mentioning the name will also need to be changed, as per the makers of the film. In response, the makers of JSK vs State of Kerala moved the Kerala High Court to challenge the change. Apart from that, the artists from Malayalam cinema and serial fraternity under the umbrella of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors), Producers Association and FEFKA ( Film Employees Federation of Kerala) staged a protest infront of the regional office of Central Bureau of Film Certification at Chitranjali Studio complex, Thiruvallam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Everything began with L2: Empuraan': Suresh Kumar blames Mohanlal starrer after Janaki vs State of Kerala faces legal action from CBFC
Actor 's latest film 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' faced hurdles after the (CBFC) asked the makers to change its title just days before its release. The team subsequently agreed to rename the film as V Janaki vs State of Kerala. Amid the ongoing legal tussle, producer has pointed fingers at Mohanlal's 'L2: Empuraan', blaming it for triggering the chain of events that affected the Suresh Gopi starrer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Suresh Kumar about Janaki vs State of Kerala facing CBFC cut Speaking to Manorama Online, Kumar stated that the issues began when Empuraan faced its own censor troubles. 'Empuraan had to be re-censored due to the controversy. That's when the censor board became more cautious. That's why this problem has arisen; everything began from there,' he said. The controversy stems from the film's original title, Janaki vs State of Kerala, which the CBFC objected to due to the use of the name "Janaki". The film, initially scheduled for release on 27 June, was denied certification over this naming issue, resulting in delays. Janaki vs State Of Kerala - Official Hindi Teaser Janaki vs State of Kerala legal trouble Recently, the Kerala High Court was informed by the CBFC that the film could be approved if the title was altered to Janaki V vs State of Kerala or V Janaki vs State of Kerala. Additionally, the board recommended muting the character's name during a courtroom dialogue. Reports suggest that the film's team has agreed to the proposed changes, with a revised release date expected to be announced soon. Directed by Pravin Narayanan, the film stars Anupama Parameswaran in the lead role alongside Suresh Gopi, with his son Madhav Suresh appearing in a supporting role. About Empuraan controversy The troubles with Empuraan began when some religious organisations objected to certain story elements they found offensive. The directorial was subsequently subjected to re-censoring.
The Print
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Sacred name sparks courtroom drama: What CBFC argued in affidavit opposing Janaki vs State of Kerala
Taking strong exception to these questions posed to the character bearing 'Goddess Sita's' name, the CFBC in its affidavit before the Kerala High Court submitted that its opposition is not based on trivial grounds, but a profound concern regarding a film's narrative content wherein the character is shown as enduring multiple traumatic and uncomfortable circumstances while seeking justice. These questions posed to the character during a scene depicting her cross-examination after she has been raped, have the tendency to disrupt public order and offend religious sentiments, the CBFC contended while seeking a change in the movie title. She is asked whether she watches pornographic films, whether she uses drugs to enhance pleasure, whether she has a boyfriend, and if she was pregnant prior to being sexually assaulted. New Delhi: The Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC's) objection to the title of the film Janaki vs State of Kerala stemmed from a scene where the protagonist is asked 'harrowing', 'provocative' and 'humiliating' questions by a lawyer belonging to another religious community. The film tells the story of a rape survivor named Janaki, another name for the Hindu goddess Sita. The Kerala HC was hearing a petition filed by the producer of Janaki vs State of Kerala, challenging the CBFC's refusal to grant it a release certificate unless the title is changed and the word Janaki is muted throughout the film. The movie, which stars BJP minister and actor Suresh Gopi, was initially scheduled for release on 27 June. The certification board in its affidavit also expressed concern about another scene from the film in which the character is shown to be aided by a man from a different religious community. Seeing this as a religious dichotomy in the treatment of a character with a name associated with Sita, the board felt this depiction has the 'potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious group'. The portrayal, according to the board affidavit, is a deliberate misappropriation of a revered deity's name. Though the affidavit was placed before the Kerala HC, which heard the case Tuesday, the document was not taken up for consideration after the court was told that the CBFC was ready to greenlight the film for release if the producer changed the title from Janaki vs State of Kerala to 'Janaki V' and mute the name during the cross-examination scene in the movie. Appearing for the movie producer, advocate Haris Beeran agreed. The CBFC's counsel Abhinav Chandrachud assured the court that once the revised version of the movie is submitted, the board would grant it censor certification within three days. What CBFC affidavit said The CBFC's 22-page affidavit gave elaborate reasons for the board's refusal to give it a censor certificate. It said that 'Sita holds profound religious significance in the Ramayana' and is 'revered for her devotion to Lord Rama, spiritual dedication and her sacrifice in abandoning a comfortable life to accompany her husband during his 14-year-old forest exile in accordance with Rajya Dharma'. It accused the producers of deliberately appropriating the name of Goddess Janaki/Sita for their lead character with the 'intention of exploiting and distorting her sacred identity'. 'Producers are aware that the name of the goddess Janaki holds deep reverence in the collective consciousness of the masses and have therefore intentionally chosen this title to capitalise on her religious significance,' the board submitted in its affidavit, insisting that the film's release in its preset form would set a dangerous precedent and open a 'Pandora's Box' for future productions. The board also felt that the film will embolden other movie producers to appropriate sacred religious names for characters in 'similarly inappropriate and offensive subject matter, thereby systematically undermining religious sentiments across communities and posing a serious threat to public order.' To the producer's contention that their film is not the first one where a character is named after a goddess, the board drew a distinction between the ones released previously and the film currently in question. In none of those previous films was the sacred name associated with sexual violence or systemic injustice, it argued. Stating that freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, the CBFC contended that the certification process is a 'careful balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight'. While it safeguards a filmmaker's rights through a multi-tier review mechanism, the broader public interest is protected through the application of established guidelines and constitutional principles, it added. The CBFC accepted that it had given clearance to the teaser, while clarifying that the same cannot be a ground to grant clearance to the movie in entirety. It also advised the court to exercise judicial restraint when it is called upon to interfere with the decision of a specialised statutory body, particularly those entrusted with domain-specific expertise. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Kolkata cops arrest 'absconding' Pune law student 'for hurting religious sentiments' in Op Sindoor post
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MoS Suresh Gopi's film clears hurdle as makers agree to rename it ‘Janaki. V'
Kochi: The controversy surrounding the latest film featuring Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi has finally settled, with the makers agreeing to rename the film following objections raised by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, initially titled Janaki vs State of Kerala, will now be released as Janaki. V vs State of Kerala. The legal dispute, which had come up for hearing in the Kerala High Court four times in the past two weeks, was heard again on Wednesday. During the hearing, held both before and after lunch, the production team informed the court of their decision to alter the film's title. Speaking to the media, Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran, counsel for the film team, said the decision was mutual, with both parties agreeing to a compromise. 'Initially, the CBFC had suggested 96 cuts, but after deliberations, that number has come down to just two. We have agreed to mute two dialogues, though it wasn't an easy decision. The title change was ultimately a commercial decision. A lot of money has gone into making the film, and while we were confident of winning the case, further delay would have led to heavy losses,' Beeran said. He added that the team had already signed an OTT release agreement and, with the Onam release window fast approaching, time was of the essence. 'The CBFC also showed flexibility. With both sides agreeing, the issue stands resolved,' he said. Beeran further informed that a fresh copy of the film with the revised title would be submitted to the CBFC within 24 hours. The High Court has directed the CBFC to issue the certificate within three days of submission. The next hearing is scheduled for July 16, and the makers are optimistic about releasing the film on July 18. Director Praveen Kumar expressed relief and said the team was happy that the matter had been resolved. 'We will resubmit the film tomorrow itself,' he said. The film was originally slated for release on June 27 but was held up after the CBFC objected to the use of 'Janaki' in the title. The Board argued that it violated government guidelines under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act. During an earlier hearing on July 2, Justice N. Nagaresh, who has been presiding over the case, had remarked that the character 'Janaki' -- a survivor of sexual assault fighting for justice -- did not merit any objection for bearing a mythological name. 'She is not a rapist. If a rapist was named Rama, Krishna, or Janaki, then I could understand the concern. But here, she is the heroine, seeking justice,' the judge had observed. Throughout the controversy, Suresh Gopi remained silent. With the matter now settled, all parties have expressed relief.
