'Janaki V v/s State of Kerala': Suresh Gopi-starrer gets CBFC certificate, release date to be announced soon

Following a protracted controversy over its title, Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Janaki V vs State of Kerala' has finally been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Given a rating of U/A 16, the board's approval comes after it initially refused to approve the title, citing that 'Janaki' was another name for the Hindu goddess Sita. It also prescribed 96 cuts for the film.

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The CBFC's call for sweeping cuts led to backlash, which escalated with the filmmakers appealing against the cuts and the name change in the Kerala High Court, as per an OnManorama report. This led to the CBFC to retract its original advisory, asking for 2 cuts instead.

The production company, Cosmos Entertainments, also contended that the delay in certification infringed upon their fundamental rights to free speech and profession under Article 19, and was causing significant financial losses.

Abhinav Chandrachud, a lawyer representing the certification board, suggested alternate titles for the film, arguing that the depiction of a character named after a revered figure in Hindu mythology, being subjected to provocative questions regarding drug use, pornography, and relationships, could hurt religious sentiments and disturb public order.

On July 2, 2025, the Kerala High Court ordered a special screening of the film on July 5 to evaluate the CBFC's objections. On July 9, when the court resumed hearings, the CBFC suggested adding 'V' as either a suffix or prefix for Janaki's name in the title, and also editing out the word Janaki in court scenes. 

The filmmakers have since agreed to mute the character's name during two brief segments of a courtroom cross-examination, where it is uttered twice.

Helmed by Pravin Narayanan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran play the leads in this courtroom drama. Although the makers had planned to release the film on July 17, delays in certifying the versions of the film in other Indian languages have caused the theatrical release to be postponed until further notice.

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