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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala, arguing that naming a rape-survivor character Janaki could offend religious sentiments and raise public-order concerns. Those were the board’s arguments, not findings shown to have been accepted by the Kerala High Court. The makers agreed to alter the title and mute the character’s name in a courtroom scene; a July 12 report said the CBFC later issued a certificate after seven revisions.
What did the CBFC object to?
In an affidavit described by Scroll on July 9, 2025, the CBFC said the film’s portrayal undermined “the dignity and sanctity associated with the revered persona of Goddess Sita,” and could cause grave offence to religious sentiments. The board’s concern centered on the protagonist’s name, Janaki, and a courtroom cross-examination scene.
The board also argued that questions asked by a defence lawyer from another religion could be objectionable and disrupt public order. As Onmanorama reported on July 9, the CBFC submission stated: “It is submitted that the posing of such provocative questions to a character named after Goddess Sita will tend to disrupt public order and offend religious sentiments.” This was the board’s position as reported by the outlet, not a judicial finding.
What did the Kerala High Court say?
Scroll reported that Justice N. Nagaresh watched the film on July 5, ahead of the July 9 hearing, and remarked that there was “no reason why a woman who had been raped could not be named ‘Janaki’.” That remark is reported by Scroll; it should not be confused with the wording of a court order.
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Scroll also reported that the judge directed certification after the makers accepted the changes. The available contemporary reports do not establish that the court endorsed the CBFC’s religious-sentiment or public-order rationale. They also do not provide the underlying order, so procedural details here are attributed to the reporting.
What changes did the filmmakers agree to?
On July 9, Onmanorama reported that the makers agreed to rename the film Janaki V vs State of Kerala and mute the protagonist’s name during the cross-examination scene. The protagonist’s full name was reported as Janaki Vidhyadharan. The outlet said the name was spoken twice in the relevant scene and that the edits were assigned specific time ranges.
On July 12, Asianet Newsable reported that the CBFC had granted a release certificate after seven revisions, including muting the name in six courtroom instances. This later account is distinct from the July 9 report of the makers’ agreement; the reports describe different stages and counts.
Was the film facing 96 cuts?
Reports differed on how the proposed changes were described. Scroll said the board initially proposed 96 cuts and later sought two revisions; Onmanorama also described a move away from an initial 96-cut demand. Asianet Newsable later reported that the CBFC clarified it had not demanded 96 cuts, but had made two primary requests. It is therefore inaccurate to state without qualification that the CBFC ordered 96 cuts.
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How did the dispute unfold?
| Date | Reported development |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2025 | Scroll reported that the producers submitted their certification application. |
| June 27, 2025 | The film had been scheduled for release, according to Scroll’s July 9 report. |
| July 5, 2025 | Scroll reported that Justice N. Nagaresh watched the film before the hearing. |
| July 9, 2025 | Onmanorama reported the makers’ agreement to change the title and mute the name. Scroll reported the judge directed certification after the changes were accepted. |
| July 12, 2025 | Asianet Newsable reported that the CBFC granted a release certificate after seven revisions. |
| July 17, 2025 | The New Indian Express published a review of the released film; this is film-context reporting, not an official certification record. |
What is the film about?
The New Indian Express review identifies JSK: Janaki V v/s State of Kerala as a Malayalam courtroom drama directed by Pravin Narayanan, starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran. The reviewer describes Janaki as an IT professional and sexual-assault survivor seeking justice. Those plot details and the review’s judgments are the reviewer’s account, not statements from the court or a certification authority. Read the review at The New Indian Express.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this establish a general CBFC rule about deity names?
No general rule can be inferred from the reported dispute. In a separate June 22, 2025 article, The News Minute reported concerns involving two Malayalam films with characters named Janaki and quoted FEFKA general secretary B. Unnikrishnan saying there was no official guideline restricting deity names for characters. That coverage describes communications and claims, not a published CBFC rule or a court finding. Its account of Token Number concerns a separate film and should not be conflated with this case.
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