The Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi alongside actress Anupama Parameswaran, has run into controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its title and content. The dispute has sparked industry-wide debate, prompting senior producer Suresh Kumar to attribute the heightened scrutiny to the release of L2: Empuraan.
Speaking to the media, Kumar stated that the controversy surrounding Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, had led to a shift in the CBFC’s approach. “Several issues emerged during its certification, prompting the board to re-examine the film. Since then, the CBFC has become far more stringent, carefully reviewing every film before certification. That change is the root cause of the current delays,” he said.
Directed by Praveen Narayanan, Janaki vs State of Kerala is a courtroom thriller with the tagline “Truth Will Prevail.” Anupama Parameswaran plays the lead role of Janaki, while Suresh Gopi portrays a lawyer. The CBFC reportedly objected to the use of the name ‘Janaki’—a reference to Goddess Sita—for a character who is a victim of assault, deeming it inappropriate. The board has asked the filmmakers to consider changing the title.
In response, the producers have approached the court, challenging the delay in certification. The matter is currently under legal consideration, with arguments scheduled to be heard on July 9. The court will decide whether the film can retain its current title.
Suresh Kumar, a veteran of the Malayalam film industry, is known for producing several notable films, including Coolie, Charithram, Vishnulokam, Kashmeeram, Cover Story, Kuberan, Maha Samudram, and Vaashi.
