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.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anurag Kashyap carried a Hindi dictionary to CBFC screening after issue with the word ‘chu*a' in his first film: ‘There are viral clips showing big politicians abusing'
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again voiced his disapproval of the restrictions placed on filmmakers by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). His debut film Paanch (2003) ran into trouble over its portrayal of violence, drug use, and strong language. The movie could not make it to the theatres even after receiving a certificate, reportedly due to financial constraints. Speaks Out on 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' Controversy Anurag Kashyap Exposes T-Series For Underpaying Iconic Film Music The filmmaker has now indirectly responded to the ongoing censorship faced by the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala. The CBFC objected to the use of the name 'Janaki', citing its association with Goddess Sita. 'If, in your writing, your characters can't be named after any of the characters that have been part of mythology… It's very strange,' he shared in a conversation with The Juggernaut. Kashyap also criticised what he sees as an infantilising approach to content regulation in India. He further questioned why adults are not allowed to make their own viewing choices these days. He believes that such restrictions on content prevent both creators and audiences from evolving. The filmmaker also challenged the belief that cinema's purpose should be to deliver moral messages. In his view, the true role of art is to reflect society back to itself — including its flaws. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'So that they can look at their own horrific ugliness, prejudices, biases, narrow-mindedness, et al. There are viral clips showing big politicians abusing. But they are in denial that these don't exist anymore,' he remarked. Anurag Kashyap carried a Hindi dictionary with him Kashyap alleged that language barriers within the CBFC often contribute to misinterpretations. He had to carry a Hindi dictionary with him during the censoring of his first film. 'Now, they don't even allow you to take your phone inside,' he said. He had to defend the use of the word 'chu***a', explaining that it merely means a foolish person in Hindi. He suggested that because the CBFC is headquartered in Maharashtra, where Hindi isn't the native tongue, the term was misunderstood and assigned an exaggerated connotation. 'Even those who get offended don't understand the language,' he added.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
JSK movie case: HC closes petition by producers
Kochi: A high court bench of Justice N Nagaresh on Wednesday closed a petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the producer company of the Suresh Gopi-starrer Malayalam movie Janaki V vs State of Kerala, seeking the timely issuance of a censor certificate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now HC closed the proceedings after being informed that the (CBFC) issued the certificate on July 11. Initially, CBFC had declined certification for the film, objecting to the use of the name Janaki, another name for Goddess Sita. The board cited Guideline 2(12) of the certification rules, which prohibits visuals or words contemptuous of religious, racial, or other groups. The CBFC also suggested 96 cuts in the film, prompting the producers to move HC. Subsequently, the board proposed modifications, including adding the initial 'V' to the character's name in the title and muting the word Janaki in two specific scenes. The producers accepted these suggestions and resubmitted the film, which was then cleared by CBFC. While closing the petition, HC permitted the producers to use promotional materials, including teasers and advertisements, bearing the old title Janaki vs State of Kerala. The court clarified that in view of the peculiar circumstances under which the film was granted certification, the continued use of such promotional materials will not expose the petitioner to any legal claims or liabilities. The court also clarified that this direction is intended to preclude unnecessary litigation from the public, such as claims before consumer forums alleging that the film advertised as Janaki vs State of Kerala was ultimately released as Janaki V vs State of Kerala.
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.
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
'JSK vs State of Kerala' gets new release date after legal battle over film's title
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 13 (ANI): After weeks of controversy over the film's title, the makers of Suresh Gopi's 'JSK vs State of Kerala' have finally announced the movie's new release date. It was earlier stated to release on June 20. 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 July 17. While sharing the new release date, the makers wrote, '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 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. As per 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 June 20. 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 to this, 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. (ANI)
