The Malayalam film industry, including representatives from AMMA, the Producers Association, and FEFKA, held a protest against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Monday. The demonstration was in support of the film ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala,’ starring Suresh Gopi, which is facing censorship over its title. The CBFC has requested the filmmakers change the name ‘Janaki,’ citing its association with the Hindu goddess Sita. The film’s release, initially scheduled for June 20 and then June 27, has been postponed due to the ongoing dispute.
The film, a courtroom drama directed by Pravin Narayanan, features Suresh Gopi as a senior advocate representing a woman named Janaki, who is fighting the state after being assaulted. The CBFC’s regional office in Thiruvananthapuram initially cleared the film with a U/A certificate. However, the CBFC headquarters in Mumbai demanded a title change, which would necessitate alterations to the film’s dialogues as well. The Malayalam film fraternity views this as an attack on creative freedom.
B Unnikrishnan, President of FEFKA, urged Suresh Gopi, also a Union Minister, to address the issue and clarify the government’s stance on artistic freedom. Unnikrishnan emphasized the importance of opposing censorship and defending the country’s artistic and cultural diversity. He stated that the CBFC’s decision was disturbing and arbitrary, particularly as the film reportedly contains no specific religious references. The producers of ‘Janaki Vs State of Kerala’ have approached the Kerala High Court regarding the CBFC’s directive. Suresh Gopi has not yet commented on the matter.