Fri Jun 27 15:09:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Kerala High Court is questioning the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s refusal to issue a censor certificate for the Malayalam film “JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala.” The CBFC objects to the name of the main character, Janaki, which is also a name for the Hindu goddess Sita, and the use of explicit language regarding women. The court is curious why the name is an issue, as past films with religious names have been certified. The film’s producers point out that the teaser trailer received certification. The CBFC’s revising committee ultimately requested a title change and character name change after the producers appealed to the High Court due to delays.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Questions CBFC’s Delay in Certifying “JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala”**

**KOCHI, India – June 27, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has intervened in a dispute between the producers of the Malayalam film “JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala” and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), questioning the board’s delay in issuing a censor certificate for the feature film.

The film, which stars Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, has been held up due to the CBFC’s objections to the title and the name of the central character, Janaki. The CBFC argues that Janaki is another name for the Hindu goddess Sita, and that the film contains explicit language referring to women.

During the hearing, the High Court questioned the validity of the CBFC’s concerns, noting that numerous Indian films with titles referencing gods, goddesses, and religious figures have received certification in the past. The court cited examples like the movie “Sita aur Gita,” pointing out the lack of previous objections to such names.

The film’s producer firm also highlighted the fact that the teaser trailer for “JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala” had already been granted a censor certificate.

The CBFC’s counsel stated that the revising committee ultimately requested a change in both the title of the film and the name of the protagonist. Initial reports indicated that the Thiruvananthapuram regional office of the CBFC had approved the film with a U/A certificate, but the decision was overturned by the CBFC headquarters in Mumbai. Allegedly, the filmmakers were unofficially informed that a sexual assault victim could not be named after a goddess.

The revising committee’s decision came after the film’s producers petitioned the Kerala High Court, alleging unreasonable delays in the certification process. The case remains ongoing, with the court seeking clarification on the CBFC’s stance regarding the film.

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