Malayalam film bodies protest Censor Board's demand to change Janaki title
B Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of FEFKA, voiced his concerns, describing the CBFC's demand as 'disturbing' and 'arbitrary'. He stated, "We are also not very sure or clear about the issue regarding the film JSK. But from our conversation with the director, what we understand is that the CBFC is very keen that the name of the protagonist (played by Anupama Parameswaran), that is Janaki, be changed to something else. They have some problems with the connotations of the name Janaki."advertisementDespite the CBFC's concerns, the director of 'Janaki vs State of Kerala' has clarified that the film does not include any religious references. Unnikrishnan further commented, "The film doesn't have any specific religious references or allusions, according to the director. So this decision is really disturbing and is very arbitrary."The film, starring Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, has been met with strong reactions from within the industry and political figures. Binoy Viswam, CPI State Secretary, noted that "the protest was triggered by the recent incident of CBFC asking to remove Janaki from the title of the film. They have also demanded that the protagonist's name should be changed from Janaki to something else."Unnikrishnan emphasised the broader implications of the CBFC's actions, urging unity among artists and citizens who believe in cultural diversity. He stated, "It needs to be opposed not only by the artist but by everybody who is committed to the cause of the country's diversity, dedicated to the country's art and culture. All should come together."The film has already been cleared with a U/A certificate by the CBFC's regional office in Thiruvananthapuram but is now facing hurdles at the Mumbai headquarters. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming legal proceedings, with producers seeking clarity from the Kerala High Court on the CBFC's directive.'Janaki vs State of Kerala' tells the story of a woman who faced sexual assault and is pursuing a legal fight against the state.- Ends
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