The legal dispute surrounding the Suresh Gopi-Anupama Parameswaran starrer JSK – Janaki v/s State of Kerala has concluded, with the producers agreeing to the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) proposed changes to the film’s title and dialogues. On Wednesday, Cosmos Entertainment informed the Kerala High Court that it would adopt the CBFC’s suggestion to alter the subtitle of the film, replacing Janaki v/s State of Kerala with either Janaki V v/s State of Kerala or V Janaki v/s State of Kerala. Additionally, the production agreed to mute the name 'Janaki' in two specific scenes depicting the protagonist’s cross-examination.
The CBFC had objected to the use of the name 'Janaki', citing its association with Goddess Sita and arguing that the portrayal of a rape survivor with that name could offend religious sentiments and disturb public order. Earlier, the Board had recommended 96 cuts, but later revised its position, offering to certify the film if only limited changes were implemented. Although the producers initially resisted the alterations, noting that teasers and promotional materials had already been published using the original title, they ultimately consented after the Court emphasised the practical risks of further litigation. “Naming an artistic piece is prerogative and right of the artist,” Justice N. Nagaresh observed during the hearing, while also urging the petitioner to consider the financial implications of a prolonged dispute.
Following the producers’ agreement, CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud submitted that the Board would endeavour to issue certification within three days of receiving the edited version. The Court then recorded the settlement and directed the CBFC to grant the certificate within the stated timeframe. The matter has been posted to next week for compliance reporting. Cosmos Entertainment had approached the High Court alleging that the CBFC was arbitrarily delaying certification despite having completed the censor screening on June 18. The petitioners argued that no formal objections were communicated and that they first learned of the Board’s concerns through media reports. They contended that the delay was causing significant financial loss and violated their rights under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, is reportedly a courtroom drama focusing on a sexual assault survivor’s legal struggle. With the production agreeing to modify the name in the title and mute it in two scenes, the film is expected to clear the final hurdle for release. The CBFC is now required to issue the certification promptly once the revised material is submitted.
