Mon Jun 30 14:11:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Filmmakers, actors, and technicians in Kerala, India, staged a protest against what they perceive as increasing censorship of films by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The protest was triggered by the CBFC’s demand to change the title of the film “JSK-Janaki vs State of Kerala” and similar issues with another film. Film industry representatives called for clearer censorship guidelines to prevent arbitrary decisions and protect filmmakers’ creative freedom, warning against anti-democratic censorship tendencies.

**News Article:**

**Indian Filmmakers Protest Censorship, Throw Scissors in Symbolic Act**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -** A wave of protest swept through the Chitranjali Studio complex in Kerala on Monday as filmmakers, actors, and technicians rallied against what they claim is escalating censorship of films in India. The demonstration, marked by the symbolic act of throwing scissors into a dustbin, was a direct response to demands from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to alter the title of the film “JSK-Janaki vs State of Kerala,” starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and similar demands regarding the film “Token Number.”

Representatives from key film bodies, including the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), united to voice their concerns. They displayed posters of past films with “Janaki” in the title, highlighting what they see as arbitrary and inconsistent censorship practices.

“This protest is not just for this film. It is to ensure that all of us will continue to have the freedom to make the kind of films that we want to make,” stated B. Unnikrishnan, general secretary of FEFKA, emphasizing the broader implications for creative freedom. Producer M. Renjith condemned the censorship attempts as anti-democratic, while filmmaker Shaji Kailas cautioned against introducing divisive elements into artistic expression.

The protesters called for the establishment of clear and consistent censorship guidelines to prevent arbitrary decision-making by the CBFC and safeguard the creative independence of filmmakers. The protest leaders indicated that this is just the beginning of the movement.

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