Malayalam Film Fraternity Rises Against CBFC’s Certification Blockade for ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’
A simmering dispute within the Indian film landscape is set to boil over as prominent Malayalam cinema organizations prepare for a significant protest. The heart of the matter? The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s controversial decision to withhold certification for the upcoming film, ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ (JSK), citing an unusual demand: a change to the lead character’s name.
The Unfolding Controversy: Why Janaki’s Name Sparks an Uproar
The film’s makers, including director Pravin Narayanan, find themselves in an unexpected quandary. The CBFC’s revising committee, after an initial green light from the regional panel, reportedly issued a verbal directive: alter the titular character’s name. The reason? ‘Janaki’ is an alternative name for the revered Hindu deity, Goddess Sita. This seemingly innocuous detail has ignited a fierce debate about creative liberty and censorship boundaries, especially after the film had already secured a U/A certification from the regional board.
Industry Unites: FEFKA Leads the Charge in Thiruvananthapuram
In a show of unwavering solidarity, the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) is spearheading a massive demonstration. B Unnikrishnan, FEFKA’s general secretary, announced that a dharna will be staged before the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram. He emphasized that the entire Malayalam film industry, united in its indignation, would participate, decrying the CBFC’s action as “arbitrary” and baffling. “We simply fail to comprehend the criteria behind such an inexplicable decision,” Unnikrishnan stated, echoing a sentiment of deep frustration across the creative community.
A Troubling Precedent: The Echoes of ‘Token Number’ and Suresh Gopi’s Involvement
This isn’t an isolated incident, adding layers to the industry’s growing concern. Unnikrishnan recalled a similar instance with director M B Padmakumar’s film, ‘Token Number,’ which faced certification hurdles until its female lead’s name, also Janaki, was changed to Jayanthi. Such precedents raise questions about a recurring pattern of cultural sensitivity interpretations by the censor board. The current controversy is particularly significant given the involvement of popular actor Suresh Gopi, who stars in ‘JSK,’ drawing even more attention to the plight of the film.
Trailers Cleared, But Full Film Blocked: A Confusing Stance from Mumbai
Adding to the perplexing nature of the situation, the teasers and trailers for ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ have been circulating in cinemas for over a month, having been cleared by the censor board without issue. “We are left to wonder if these previews have somehow led to communal disharmony,” Unnikrishnan questioned sardonically, highlighting the inconsistency. The initial U/A certification was granted by the regional panel before the film was sent to the CBFC’s Mumbai office, where the name change was inexplicably suggested.
Kerala High Court Intervenes: A Quest for Clarity
As the standoff escalates, the legal system has also become involved. The film’s producers have filed a petition with the Kerala High Court, challenging the delay in securing certification. The High Court has since directed the censor board to formally communicate its decision to the court, signaling a judicial push for transparency and accountability from the federal body. The outcome of both the protest and the legal proceedings will undoubtedly set a significant precedent for creative expression and censorship in Indian cinema.
