Controversy Surrounds Malayalam Film 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' Over Depiction of Hindu Deity

CBFC Raises Concerns Over Film's Title Character

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has informed the Kerala High Court of its objections regarding the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala. The board expressed concerns that the portrayal of the title character, 'Janaki'—a name associated with the Hindu goddess Sita—depicts her enduring rape and other distressing situations, as reported on Wednesday.

In its affidavit, the CBFC stated that such representations compromise the 'dignity and sanctity' linked to the revered figure of Goddess Sita, potentially offending religious sentiments.

The board highlighted a courtroom scene where 'Janaki' is cross-examined by a defense attorney from a different faith, asserting that the exchange contained 'objectionable questions' that could disturb public order.

Originally set for release on June 27, Janaki vs State of Kerala, featuring Union minister Suresh Gopi, faced delays in obtaining a censor certificate after producers, Cosmos Entertainments, filed a petition with the High Court on June 12.

On Wednesday, Justice N Nagaresh instructed the board to issue the censor certificate after the producers consented to two modifications requested by the CBFC, according to reports.

During the proceedings, CBFC's counsel Abhinav Chandrachud revealed that while the board initially suggested 96 cuts, it was now only requesting two changes. The first change involves altering the subtitle Janaki v State of Kerala to either 'Janaki V' or 'V Janaki' to better reflect the character's full name. The second change requires muting the character's name during the courtroom scene.

Chandrachud assured the court that the CBFC would issue the censor certificate within three days following the submission of the revised film. The case is scheduled for further review in a week.

In a prior hearing, Justice Nagaresh, who viewed the film on July 5, remarked that there was no justification for not allowing a rape survivor to be named 'Janaki', criticizing the CBFC for encroaching on artistic expression and free speech.