The controversy surrounding Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s film L2: Empuraan has reportedly prompted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to become more cautious, according to Malayalam producer Suresh Kumar. This increased scrutiny is now affecting other films — most notably Janaki vs State of Kerala, which remains uncertified amid ongoing debates over its title.
Speaking to the media, Suresh Kumar suggested that the backlash Empuraan received — particularly from right-wing circles upset over visuals that seemingly referenced the 2002 Gujarat riots — led to the CBFC demanding 24 voluntary cuts, removing over two minutes of footage. “The censor board became more cautious after that,” he said, implying that Janaki vs State of Kerala is facing fallout from this heightened vigilance.
Janaki vs State of Kerala stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, but its release has been stalled due to objections over the use of the name ‘Janaki’ — a sexual assault survivor in the film — as it is also the name of Goddess Sita. The CBFC initially insisted on 96 cuts, arguing that the title could hurt religious sentiments. However, after the producers approached the Kerala High Court, the board later reduced its demand to just two cuts and recommended altering the name in the title, suggesting versions like V Janaki vs State of Kerala or Janaki V vs State of Kerala.
The dispute mirrors a similar controversy faced by another Malayalam film, Token Number, where the lead character’s name was changed from ‘Janaki’ to ‘Jayanti’ to avoid conflict.
Judge N Nagaresh of the Kerala High Court privately viewed JSK in late June, and legal proceedings continue as the film awaits clearance. These recent episodes reflect a growing challenge for Malayalam filmmakers as regulatory sensitivity around religious and political themes intensifies.
A courtroom drama, Janaki vs State of Kerala tells the story of a woman fighting the state for justice. Originally slated for release on June 20, the film is expected to be cleared once the final changes are made.
