Kerala High Court Asks CBFC To Certify Suresh Gopi Starrer After Makers Agree To Edit Title & Scenes Referencing 'Janaki'

The legal tussle over Suresh Gopi starrer 'JSK - Janaki v State of Kerala' has come to a close with the film production agreeing before the Kerala High Court to CBFC's suggestions to change and mute the name 'Janaki', which holds religious significance for the Hindu community, from the title and two scenes of the film, respectively.Cosmos Entertainment has agreed to change the name 'Janaki' in the film's subtitle to 'Janaki V.' or 'V. Janaki'.The production also agreed to mute the name from two scenes, where the rape survivor named after the Hindu goddess Janaki (another name for Sita), is being "aggressively" cross-examined by a lawyer from another religious community. More on this here.The Board had earlier today informed the Court that it is willing to certify the film, which was set to hit the theatres on June 27, if the producers change the name 'Janaki' in the title and mute the name in only two scenes, as opposed to 96 cuts suggested earlier. Though the production had initially registered its objection on the ground that the teaser and promotion materials of the film were already released with the subtitle 'Janaki v State of Kerala'."Naming an artistic piece is prerogative and right of the artist," the Court had orally observed during the course of hearing.However, the Court had asked the production if it would be amenable to make the changes, taking into consideration the financial consequences that would arise if the decision of the CBFC was legally contested. Eventually, the makers agreed.CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud then submitted that the Board will endeavour to issue the certification within 3 days after the edited version of the movie is submitted to it.Hearing this, the bench of Justice N. Nagaresh passed an interim order recording the submissions made by the counsel from both sides and directed the film certification body to issue a censor certificate within three days after the changes are made.The matter is now posted next week for compliance.Cosmos Entertainment had moved the High Court alleging delay by CBFC in certifying the film. Notably, Suresh Gopi, a BJP politician and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, is starring in the movie.As per the petitioner, they had submitted the film for certification through the e-cinemapramaan portal on 12.06.2025, and the censor screening of the movie was completed on 18.06.2025. It is mentioned in the petition that though CBFC has not raised any formal objection till date, they have come to know from newspaper reports that the Board has directed to change the name 'Janaki' of the titular character, saying that it refers to the Hindu goddess 'Sita'.According to the petitioner, the continued delay is causing financial loss and violating their rights under Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.Case Title: M/s Cosmos Entertainments v. The Regional Officer, CBFC and OthersCase No: WP(C) No. 23326 of 2025 and WP(C) No. 24256 of 2025Counsels for the petitioner: Anand B. Menon, Haris Beeran, Azhar Assees, Nabil KhaderCounsels for the respondent: Abhinav Chandrachud - Standing Counsel for CBFC, O.M. Shalina, Deputy Solicitor General of India Click To Read/Download Order

Kerala High Court Asks CBFC To Certify Suresh Gopi Starrer After Makers Agree To Edit Title & Scenes Referencing 'Janaki'

K. Salma Jennath

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