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The Malayalam film ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi has finally received its theatrical release after months of certification battles with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Kerala High Court closed the case on Wednesday after the film board approved the movie following specific changes to its title and content.
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Janaki V vs State of Kerala Controversy Explained
Justice N Nagaresh officially closed the ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ case that had challenged the delay in granting clearance for the film. The judge, who watched Suresh Gopi's film on July 5, 2025, noted that all objections had been resolved and confirmed that using earlier teasers or posters with the original title would not create legal trouble for the producers.
The court intervention came after the CBFC issued a certificate on July 11, 2025, as reported by Bar and Bench. This development cleared the path for the film's theatrical release, which had been stalled due to certification issues.
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Janaki V vs State of Kerala Changes
The primary controversy centred around the film's original title, ‘Janaki v. State of Kerala.’ The CBFC raised objections because ‘Janaki’ is also used to refer to the Hindu goddess Sita, and the board felt it was inappropriate to use this name for a rape survivor character in the film.
The Board stated they would approve the movie only if the character's full name, ‘Janaki V’ or ‘V Janaki,’ is added to the title. Additionally, they requested that the name ‘Janaki’ be muted in one courtroom scene during cross-examination.
After the filmmakers agreed to make these changes, the film received its certification and was retitled ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ to indicate that the name referred to the main character Janaki Vidyadharan, not the goddess.
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Janaki V vs State of Kerala Cuts
The certification process revealed significant changes in the CBFC's demands. Initially, the Board had requested 96 cuts from the film. However, after legal proceedings at the Kerala High Court, CBFC's lawyer, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, informed the court that the Board now wanted only two changes - the modified title and muting the name ‘Janaki’ during the cross-examination scene.
The film's producers, represented by Advocate Haris Beeran, agreed to these minimal changes, leading to the swift resolution of the case.
Janaki V vs State of Kerala: New Release Date Confirmed
‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ will now release on July 17, 2025, after being initially scheduled for June 27, 2025. The film also stars Anupama Parameswaran alongside Suresh Gopi in key roles.
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Janaki V vs State of Kerala Legal Battle
The producers had moved the Kerala High Court after the CBFC failed to respond to their certification request, which was submitted on June 12, 2025. The film was initially set to release on June 27, 2025, but couldn't proceed due to the clearance issues.
In its affidavit, the CBFC explained that its concern wasn't just about the name ‘Janaki,’ but how the character was portrayed. The character goes through traumatic events and faces harsh courtroom questioning, which the Board felt could hurt religious feelings and stir communal tension when combined with the religious significance of the name.
Judge Criticises CBFC Overreach
Justice N Nagaresh had earlier criticised the CBFC for overstepping its role by interfering with artistic freedom. The judge stated there was no reason why a rape survivor fighting for justice couldn't be named Janaki, highlighting the tension between creative expression and regulatory oversight.
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Janaki V vs State of Kerala Storyline
‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala’ deals with sensitive social issues, focusing on a rape survivor's fight for justice. The film's portrayal of courtroom proceedings and the protagonist's traumatic experiences formed the basis of the CBFC's initial concerns about religious sensitivities.
Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.
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