Kerala HC To CBFC Over Objection To 'Janaki' Title in Malayalam Film: 'Nobody Complained About Ram-Lakhan'

The Kerala High Court on Friday questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding its objection to the use of the name 'Janaki' in the Malayalam film 'JSK - Janaki vs State of Kerala', which features Union Minister and BJP MP-cum-actor Suresh Gopi alongside Anupama Parameswaran.

The query arose during the hearing of a petition filed by the film's production house, Cosmos Entertainment, over the delay in receiving certification.

Justice N Nagaresh observed that Indian cinema has a longstanding tradition of using mythological names without sparking any controversy.

"We have a film named 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. Janaki is Seeta. Nothing happened. No problem. Nobody has any complaint. We have a film named 'Ram Lakhan'. Nobody has any complaint. Then how come for Janaki there is a complaint?" the judge asked the Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI), who was representing the CBFC.

These remarks came after the CBFC issued a show cause notice to the filmmakers, instructing them to remove the name 'Janaki' from both the film's title and its dialogues.

The CBFC contended that the name 'Janaki', commonly associated with Goddess Sita, used in a film featuring sensitive content such as sexual violence, might breach guideline 2 (xi) under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which bars content that may be contemptuous of racial, religious, or other communities.

The film, which was initially scheduled for release on 27 June, is now delayed due to the certification issue.

The court, however, questioned the logic behind the objection, noting that the Screening Committee had already cleared the film. It was only after the matter was referred to the Revising Committee by the CBFC Chairman that concerns over the name were raised.

Counsel for the production house argued that under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the Revising Committee does not have the authority to issue a show cause notice-its role is restricted to recommending cuts and issuing certificates.

Justice Nagaresh ordered that the show cause notice be presented to the court on 30 June, and advised the filmmakers that they are free to either respond to the notice or file an appeal.

The production house claimed that they had submitted the film for certification on 12 June, with the screening completed by 18 June.

They argue that the delay-coupled with the sudden objection to the film's title-is resulting in financial losses and infringes their constitutional rights under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and Article 19(1)(g) (right to practise any profession).