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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Film bodies unhappy over name change of JSK movie
Kochi: General secretary of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), B Unnikrishnan, criticised Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its stand in court regarding the change in the name of the movie Janaki V/s State of Kerala. Expressing strong protest against CBFC, Unnikrishnan stated that the board's arguments were strange. He sarcastically asked whether Harris Beeran, the lawyer who argued the case for the makers of JSK, could take up a case for someone named Janaki in the future. "Janaki is another name for Sita Devi, who is worshipped by Hindus. In the film, the character Janaki is a victim of sexual assault. CBFC shamelessly stated in an affidavit that it is inappropriate to name victims of sexual assault as Janaki. They also highlighted that the lawyer in the movie is from a different religion, suggesting that the lawyer will ask Janaki very challenging questions, which could lead to communal discord. What kind of sensibility is being shown here?" he asked. Unnikrishnan said CBFC is a highly autonomous body and it took an ideological stance without any disguise, which the organisation cannot accept. Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) also opposed the change in the name of the movie. The secretary of the association, B Rakesh, said the organisation cannot agree with such decisions. "But we will support the producer as he was forced to change the name," he said.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Malayalam film bodies protest Censor Board's demand to change Janaki title
In a significant protest against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), film associations in the Malayalam film industry have rallied together to oppose the board's demand for a title change in the Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Janaki vs State of Kerala'. The dispute stemmed from the CBFC's insistence on changing the film's title as Janaki refers to the Hindu Goddess Monday, artists and professionals from the Association for Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), the Producers Association, and (The Film Employees Federation of Kerala) FEFKA gathered in front of the CBFC's regional office in Thiruvananthapuram to express their controversy started when the CBFC expressed concerns about the film's title, 'Janaki', which they argued refers to the Hindu Goddess Sita. The CBFC's request for a name change has delayed the film's release, originally slated for June 20. This demand has sparked considerable unrest among the film's creators and supporters, who view it as 'arbitrary' and 'unwarranted' interference. 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
Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Janaki vs State of Kerala': Kerala film bodies protest against censor board's move
Artistes from Malayalam cinema and tele-serial fraternity under the umbrella of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors), Producers Association and FEFKA ( Film Employees Federation of Kerala) staged a protest in front of the regional office of Central Bureau of Film Certification at Chitranjali Studio complex, Thiruvallam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. The release of the Malayalam movie Janaki vs State of Kerala starring Union Minister and superstar Suresh Gopi has been stalled following a demand from the censor board for a name change. As per the film's makers, the board asked them to change the name Janaki, saying it also refers to the Hindu goddess Sita. The film tells the story of a woman who faced assault and took a legal fight against the state. The board reportedly said that god's name should not be given to a woman who was assaulted. The film's release was scheduled for June 20. Union Minister Suresh Gopi is yet to react to the controversy. The regional office of CBFC in Thiruvananthapuram had cleared the film with a U/A certificate. The film was later forwarded to the CBFC headquarters in Mumbai, where officials demanded a change in the title. If the film's title is changed, many dialogues in the film mentioning the name will also need to be changed. B Unnikrishnan, president of FEFKA, told the media, "It needs to be opposed not only by the artistes but everybody who is committed to the cause of the country's diversity, dedicated to the country's art and culture ... I think Suresh Gopi should learn from this experience of his own. Suresh Gopi is now not only a film actor but also a minister here, and he should understand how his government is dealing with the cinema, with the culture, with the poetry, with all creativity." Binoy Viswam, CPI state secretary, said, "This 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..." Producers of Janaki Vs State of Kerala starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and directed by Pravin Narayanan have approached the Kerala High Court regarding the alleged unofficial directive from the CBFC. However, Unnikrishnan said the film, according to its director, does not contain any specific religious reference or allusions." The FEFKA general secretary also expressed disappointment with the alleged "random takes" on films from the last couple of years. He said that they are ready to address and discuss such a problem with the authorities and the government.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Janaki v/s State of Kerala' row: Kerala HC questions CBFC's objection over title, filmmakers stand firm
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The Kerala High Court has strongly questioned the Central Board of Film Certification 's (CBFC) demand to alter the film 'JSK's title and character name. During a hearing on June 30, the court asked why the CBFC had cleared the film's teaser but was now blocking its release. It also sought clarity on why the name 'Janaki' was being objected to, pointing out that Indian cinema has seen many films named after gods and goddesses without issue. As reported by Mathrubhumi, the High Court has directed the Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) to submit a detailed explanation by July 2. Until then, the matter remains unresolved—but the court's observations have brought hope to the film's makers and supporters. Creative freedom For the unversed, the controversy began when CBFC denied certification to the film, citing the use of "Janaki" which is a name associated with a Hindu goddess, for the lead character played by Anupama Parameswaran. Janaki vs State Of Kerala - Official Teaser The CBFC reportedly recommended over 90 cuts, which the makers argue would seriously disrupt the narrative structure and emotional impact of the film. In a press conference, the producers firmly rejected any suggestion of renaming the film or its characters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Martano: AudioNova cerca per un test 700 persone nate prima del 1974 AudioNova Undo Director Pravin Narayanan emphasized that changing the title and name of the character would affect the soul of the film. Industry stands in protest Film bodies including AMMA and FEFKA began a strike on June 30, standing in solidarity with the film's team. Artists and technicians are calling the CBFC's move a threat to creative freedom. 'This isn't just about one film—it's about the right to tell stories that reflect society,' said a FEFKA spokesperson. The film's release, initially scheduled for June 27, has been put on hold. But the makers remain resolute. 'We'll fight this legally. Janaki deserves her voice,' said the team, echoing the sentiment of a growing number of supporters across the state.
New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘Cultural chokehold': Mollywood fumes over censorship
KOCHI: A name as old as ancient mythology has ignited a modern-day firestorm in Kerala's film industry. Janaki vs State of Kerala (JSK), a yet-to-be-released courtroom drama, has triggered furious anger among filmmakers, artists and producers, all rallying against what they call the 'arbitrary and choking' decisions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). On Monday, the who's who of Mollywood — including FEFKA, KFPA and AMMA members — gathered outside the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram, venting frustration over a censorship regime they claim is becoming unpredictable, unreasonable and ruinous for creativity. 'This isn't just about Janaki, this is about artistic survival,' thundered Renji Panicker, head of FEFKA's Directors' Union. 'What next? Will filmmakers have to name their characters One, Two, and Three because religious names are off-limits? This is a cultural chokehold.' The immediate trigger? The CBFC's objection to protagonists called Janaki, a revered name for Ramayana's Sita, in two films, JSK and Token Number. While mythological names in films are nothing new (think Seeta Aur Geeta or Ram Lakhan), filmmakers are now being asked to rewrite, re-dub, and essentially re-construct their films post-production to appease the board's new sensibilities. The Kerala High Court itself was baffled. 'If Ram Lakhan and Seeta Aur Geeta didn't raise eyebrows, why Janaki?' the court asked while hearing a petition filed by JSK's producer Cosmos Entertainment. But the damage is done. Director M B Padmakumar was forced to rename his Token Number heroine to avoid a stand-off with censors. 'The issue was not just her name, it was her relationship with another character, Abraham,' he said. 'We had to fight, but eventually we gave in. And we're not alone.' Even L2: Empuraan, starring industry giants Mohanlal and Prithviraj, wasn't spared. After a storm of right-wing outrage post-release, the film was voluntarily re-edited and re-certified, delaying its rollout and denting its momentum. 'It's now a guessing game,' lamented KFPA vice president G Suresh Kumar. 'You finish shooting, editing, spend crores, and then you're told to change character names to get a certificate? That's not just censorship. That's sabotage.'
