2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'JSK vs State of Kerala' gets new release date after legal battle over film's title
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 a U/A 16+ rating by India's censor board, actor-lawmaker Suresh Gopi took to Instagram to share that the movie will now release 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 !!! JANAKI V v/s STATE OF KERALA. U/A 16+ CERTIFICATION WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON JULY 17TH."
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The release of the Malayalam movie Janaki vs State of Kerala starring Union Minister and superstar 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 mounts a 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 Central Board for Film Certification 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, its makers said.
In response to this, the makers moved the Kerala High Court to challenge the demand.
Later, Malayalam cinema and television artistes under the umbrella of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors), Producers Association and FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) protested in front of the regional office of Central Bureau of Film Certification at Chitranjali Studio complex at Thiruvallam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.
