Thiruvananthapuram: The Central Body Film Certification (CBFC) decision to not allow the release of Suresh Gopi-starrer movie ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ citing title issues has raised serious objections and discontentment among the film makers and artists in Malayalam cinema industry.
FEFKA, a prominent fil body has decided to hold a protest against the censorship norms in movies by the CBFC. Fil makers and artists are expected to take part in the protest which will be held on June 30
The board has demanded that the name of the titular character and that of the movie be changed, as ‘Janaki’ is associated with Goddess Sita and, hence, cannot be shown as a victim of abuse.
Film maker B Unnikrishnan has slammed the move of the CBFC and stated that the decision of the review committee of citing a reason over the movie’s title for it to be not released is frivolous and illogical.
“This is highly unacceptable and is an illogical reason to stall the release of the movie. There are number of movies earlier that was released with villain character holding the name of Hindu deities. Back then there was no noise and objection from the CBFC. We have decided to hold a protest against this decision on Monday”, said B Unnikrishnan to media.
Film director Vinayan questioned the decision of CBFC and stated that the grounds for stalling the release is illogical and a direct threat to the right to expression.
“The makers of the movie should question this decision as this is a very dangerous trend that cannot be accepted in a liberal, forward-thinking society like Kerala”, said Malayalam cinema director Vinayan.
Award-winning director Adoor Gopalakrishnan slammed the decision of the CBFC and termed it illogical and condemnable.
“It is highly unfortunate that the CBFC has come up with such a frivolous reasons that does not holds any logic”, he said.
Many in the cinema industry has questioned the CBFC move to stall the release of the movie.
The Kerala High Court, on Wednesday, June 25, heard a petition filed by Cosmos Entertainment, the production house behind the Malayalam film JSK: Janaki v/s State of Kerala, seeking a direction to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to certify the film without further delay. The film, which stars BJP Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, is scheduled for worldwide release on June 27, 2025.