“Films Have Ram, Sita In Titles; Why Object To Janaki?” Kerala HC Questions CBFC

Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Friday, sharply questioned the Central Board of Film Certification over its objections to the Malayalam film JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi, asking why the name ‘Janaki’, another epithet for Goddess Sita, was being singled out for censorship.

“Janaki is a Common Name; Why Religious Objection Now?”

Justice N Nagaresh observed, “We have movies with names like Sita and Gita. Janaki is Sita. Nothing happened then. Nobody had complaints. We have films titled ‘Ram Lakhan’, no objections there. How come there are complaints only for Janaki now?”

The court noted that numerous Indian films featuring deities’ names have been certified without issue.

The CBFC, represented by DSGI OM Shalina, defended its stance, citing the film’s mature themes, including sexual violence and explicit language.

However, the court remained skeptical, pointing out that the board had earlier cleared the film’s teaser without objections.

Production House Alleges Arbitrary Delay

The filmmakers, M/s Cosmos Entertainments, moved court after the CBFC delayed certification despite their June 12 application. They alleged the board’s informal demand to change the protagonist’s name (Janaki) was arbitrary, especially since the film was slated for a June 27 global release.

The delay, they argued, violates free speech rights (Articles 19(1)(a) & (g)) and risks financial losses.

The CBFC’s revising committee later issued a show-cause notice, insisting on removing ‘Janaki’ from the title, dialogues, and character name, a move the petitioners called ultra vires.

The court has now sought the notice’s copy and posted the matter for June 30.

With the film’s release stalled, the legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and regulatory overreach in India’s film certification process.