In a courtroom exchange that flipped the script on the censors, the Kerala High Court questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for stalling the release of the Malayalam film JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala, featuring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, over the use of the name “Janaki” — a name long intertwined with Indian mythology as another for Goddess Sita.
“Why the outrage now?” asked Justice N Nagaresh, pointing out the cinematic trail of titles like Ram Lakhan, Sita, and Gita that crossed the CBFC gate without protest. “Janaki is used everywhere — it’s a common name. Religious objection? Then why was it never a problem before?”
The CBFC, however, said the issue wasn’t just the name. Deputy Solicitor General OM Shalina told the court the film contained graphic depictions of sexual violence and language that could be seen as derogatory towards women — and pairing that with a character named after a revered deity might be problematic.
The filmmakers, M/s Cosmos Entertainments, cried foul. They say they filed for certification through the Board’s official portal on June 12, got a clean pass for the teaser, but now face unofficial roadblocks based on newspaper whispers and backdoor objections. The CBFC has yet to formally respond or raise any specific objections in writing.
The production house contends that without timely certification, the film — slated for global release on June 27 — is staring at a major financial setback and an unconstitutional restriction on free expression under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g).
Matters took a sharper turn after the CBFC’s revising committee suddenly sent a show-cause notice on June 26, demanding that “Janaki” be scrubbed from the film — from the title, character name, dialogues, and every frame it appears. The filmmakers’ legal team fired back, arguing that the committee had no such authority, especially after allowing the teaser with the same name.
The High Court has now directed the CBFC to produce a copy of the show-cause notice and has scheduled the next hearing for June 30. Meanwhile, the film’s release remains in limbo, caught in a clash between artistic freedom, bureaucratic caution, and a name that has somehow become too sacred for cinema.
