'Janaki v/s State of Kerala' Referred To Revising Committee, Meeting Tomorrow: CBFC Tells High Court On Producer's Plea For Certification

Responding to the plea moved by producer of Suresh Gopi starrer 'JSK – Janaki v/s State of Kerala' over delay in the film's certification, the Central Board of Film Certification today informed the Kerala High Court that the movie has been referred to its Revising Committee, for further scrutiny.Significant to note that the film was earlier approved by CBFC's Screening Committee and it was planned to hit the theaters on June 27. The teaser of the film was certified three months ago.However, the producer— Cosmos Entertainment, moved the High Court on Tuesday against delay in certification of the film by CBFC, stating that it will cause them huge financial loss, as high as ₹80 lakh.According to the petitioner, normally, the Screening Committee's recommendation is accepted and a certificate is granted and the exception is when the Chairman may, on his own motion, refer the same to a Revising Committee constituted for the purpose.The petitioner's counsel further submitted that yesterday evening, this exceptional step was taken and the Chairman referred the Malayalam film to the Revising Committee, which would convene tomorrow (June 26) and pass a decision.On hearing this, Justice N. Nagaresh directed that the Committee's decision be placed before it immediately, on June 27.BackgroundCosmos Entertainment, the company which has produced the Malayalam movie 'JSK – Janaki v/s State of Kerala', had moved the Kerala High Court against the delay by the Central Board of Film Certification 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.The plea is moved by Advocates Anand B. Menon, Haris Beeran, Azhar Assees, Nabil Khader.Case Title: M/s Cosmos Entertainments v The Regional Officer, CBFC and OthersCase No: WP(C) No. 23326 of 2025

'Janaki v/s State of Kerala' Referred To Revising Committee, Meeting Tomorrow: CBFC Tells High Court On Producer's Plea For Certification

K. Salma Jennath

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