Janaki V v/s State Of Kerala Movie Review: What's Good, What's Bad In Suresh Gopi's Malayalam Film?

Union Minister and veteran actor Suresh Gopi's latest Malayalam movie Janaki V v/s State of Kerala has been released on Thursday (July 17). After much delay, the movie has seen the light of day and met with mixed reviews.

The Malayalam movie has Anupama Parameswaran in the central role with Shruthi Ramachandran, Niiveditha Able, Divya Pillai, Askar Ali, Baiju Santhosh, Shobi Thilakan, Jayan Cherthala and others in the cast.

The film's release was postponed due to a legal tussle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The story centres on a victim's struggle for justice against inhumane acts.

As the film hit theatres, audiences and critics shared their thoughts on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The movie has garnered attention due to its controversial title and popular cast, especially Suresh Gopi.

The movie follows the journey of Janaki Vidyadharan, an IT professional who returns from Bengaluru to her home state of Kerala. The film delves into her struggles as she confronts systemic injustices and personal turmoil. Suresh Gopi's intense performance elevates this hard-hitting drama, adding depth to its powerful narrative.

Public Reactions and Criticisms

One viewer expressed disappointment on X, stating, "#JanakiVvsStateofKerala #JSK – Below average one." Another user criticised the film's lack of impact, saying it lacked depth and freshness. They felt Suresh Gopi seemed out of place, with dialogues that sounded awkward and a storyline that dragged.

Despite criticisms, some viewers appreciated the film's focus on women's safety issues. A user praised the movie for addressing serious concerns about women's safety in Kerala. They noted that the film criticises the state government and police for their role in these problems.

Film Delays and Censor Board Controversy

The CBFC initially suggested 96 cuts to the film but later reduced it to two specific changes. The board objected to using 'Janaki,' associated with Hindu goddess Sita, for a rape survivor character. Eventually, they agreed to certify the film if 'Janaki V' or 'V Janaki' was added to the title and 'Janaki' muted during a courtroom scene.

The filmmakers complied with these changes. As a result, "Janaki V vs State of Kerala" was released in multiple languages including Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil.

Mixed Reviews from Viewers

A viewer described the first half as "okayish," noting it started typically but became more engaging near the interval. They commended Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran for their performances. However, they reserved judgment until seeing how the second half unfolded.

The film's sensitive subject matter has sparked varied reactions among audiences. While some appreciate its message about women's safety, others feel let down by its execution. As more people watch it over time, further opinions are likely to surface online.

"Janaki V vs State of Kerala" has stirred discussions both for its content and production challenges. Its journey from controversy to release highlights ongoing debates around censorship and creative expression in Indian cinema.