Makers of Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala agree to change title amid clash with censor board

Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala will now be retitled after the CBFC objected to the use of Janaki - another name for Sita - in its title.

The makers of Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, informed the Kerala High Court on Wednesday that they are willing to change the film's title to V Janaki or Janaki V, as suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Janaki vs State of Kerala stars Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran.

The statement was made during a hearing on a plea filed by the producers challenging the CBFC's objection to the original title Janaki, which had delayed the film's clearance.

What did the CBFC object to

The Censor Board had earlier refused to grant certification unless the title was changed, citing potential religious sensitivity, as Janaki is also an alternative name for the Hindu goddess Sita.

The filmmakers argued that the name referred to the film's lead character, a rape survivor named Janaki who fights a legal battle against the state.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the CBFC informed the court that if the producers made the suggested changes--either renaming the film as V Janaki or Janaki V and muting the name in one of the courtroom scenes--clearance could be granted within three days of resubmission.

The filmmakers, while expressing difficulty in rebranding the film so close to release, agreed to the changes after the board maintained its firm position on the title. Justice N Nagaresh adjourned the case to next Wednesday for further consideration.

About Janaki vs State of Kerala

The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan and also starring Anupama Parameswaran, portrays a woman's legal struggle for justice after assault. The production company, Cosmos Entertainments, approached the court after delays in certification impacted the film's release schedule.