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JSK: Janaki Vs State of Kerala Cleared for Release After Censor Board Tussle
Updated on: 17 July, 2025 11:28 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
JSK
In a significant development for the Malayalam film JSK – Janaki Vs State of Kerala, the Kerala High Court has closed a petition filed by its producers, Cosmos Entertainments. This comes after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) finally issued a U/A certificate on July 11, paving the way for the film’s theatrical release on July 17.
Their apprehension stemmed from the portrayal of the character Janaki as a rape survivor who endures “many unpleasant experiences” and is “cross-examined by a lawyer from another religion, who posed to her many ‘objectionable’ questions.” The CBFC argued that such a depiction, coupled with "religious dichotomy," had the "potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious groups."
Following court interventions, the CBFC, represented by Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, scaled down its demands from 96 cuts to just two specific changes. These included slightly modifying the title to "JSK Janaki V. v/s State of Kerala" and muting the word "Janaki" in certain courtroom scenes. The filmmakers, represented by Advocate Haris Beeran, agreed to these modifications, ensuring the film`s release.
With the modified version submitted and certified, Justice N. Nagaresh observed that the primary grievance of the petitioner stood redressed. The court also clarified that the use of earlier promotional materials or teasers with the previous title "shall not legally adversely affect the petitioner," ensuring "no claim in that respect will lie against the petitioner." The film portrays a woman`s legal struggle for justice after assault, and its clearance marks a crucial victory for the filmmakers.
Also Read: Janaki vs State of Kerala: Mollywood Unites Against CBFC`s Arbitrary Decision
The Censor Board`s Initial Objections
The film, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and directed by Pravin Narayanan, faced considerable delays due to the CBFC`s objections. The board primarily raised concerns over the name Janaki, which is also another name for Goddess Sita, used for the protagonist in the film.Their apprehension stemmed from the portrayal of the character Janaki as a rape survivor who endures “many unpleasant experiences” and is “cross-examined by a lawyer from another religion, who posed to her many ‘objectionable’ questions.” The CBFC argued that such a depiction, coupled with "religious dichotomy," had the "potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious groups."
Legal Battle and Resolution
The production company approached the Kerala High Court after the certification delays jeopardised their release schedule. Justice N. Nagaresh, who had previously watched the movie and criticised the CBFC`s interference with artistic freedom, observed that there was no valid reason to object to a rape survivor being named Janaki.Following court interventions, the CBFC, represented by Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, scaled down its demands from 96 cuts to just two specific changes. These included slightly modifying the title to "JSK Janaki V. v/s State of Kerala" and muting the word "Janaki" in certain courtroom scenes. The filmmakers, represented by Advocate Haris Beeran, agreed to these modifications, ensuring the film`s release.
With the modified version submitted and certified, Justice N. Nagaresh observed that the primary grievance of the petitioner stood redressed. The court also clarified that the use of earlier promotional materials or teasers with the previous title "shall not legally adversely affect the petitioner," ensuring "no claim in that respect will lie against the petitioner." The film portrays a woman`s legal struggle for justice after assault, and its clearance marks a crucial victory for the filmmakers.
Also Read: Janaki vs State of Kerala: Mollywood Unites Against CBFC`s Arbitrary Decision
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