Thu Jul 03 08:17:07 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Congress Leader Slams Censor Board Over Film Denial, Questions Union Minister’s Silence**
**Thiruvananthapuram, July 3, 2025** – The All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, K.C. Venugopal, has launched a scathing critique of the censor board’s decision to deny certification to the film “JSK – Janaki Vs State of Kerala,” citing an attack on artistic freedom and the Constitution.
The film, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, was reportedly rejected due to the lead character’s name, “Janaki,” considered by some to be religiously sensitive as another name for the goddess Sita.
Venugopal specifically called out Gopi, an actor-turned-politician, for his silence on the matter. “Even as a system he is part of throws mud onto that very rice [cinema], he remains silent,” Venugopal wrote in a Facebook post, urging the Minister to defend his film and fellow artists.
The Congress leader argued that the censor board’s stance undermines the constitutional freedom of expression, pointing out the long history of using names from Hindu mythology in Indian cinema. He also raised concerns about alleged cuts made to the film “Empuraan” after its theatrical release, questioning the government’s agenda and its silence on the issue.
“Where is the BJP taking this country? What kind of fear is forcing artistes to censor their own creations?” Venugopal asked.
Venugopal expressed his full support for the film and its creators, urging censor board members to study the Constitution and Indian history.
The Kerala High Court is scheduled to view “JSK – Janaki Vs State of Kerala” on July 5th before making a ruling on the censor board’s demand to change the name ‘Janaki’.
First Piper 