The release of the Malayalam film Janaki vs State in Kerala starring actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi has sought a change in the title of the film after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The film’s director, Praveen Narayanan, said that CBFC has denied a screening certificate for the film, which was slate to release on 27 June. He said that the film will no longer be released on that date.
CBFC has allegedly sought a change in the name of the title character, Janaki, and to be removed from the title of the film for the name, Janaki is also a name for Goddess Sita.
The film revolves around the legal battle of a woman against the government. CBFC has so far served a written notice to the film’s makers about the demand, and it is expected to be distributed on Monday.
Director and General Secretary of the influential Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), B Annikrishnan rapidly responded to the CBFC reported demand. “A woman who faces atrocities cannot be given the name of Goddess Sita? It will create a big crisis in the industry … Many times, the names of Hindu characters will be of a god or goddess. If this situation is there, we will not be able to use our name either.”
He also said that all films are made according to the CBFC guidelines, and in these guidelines, the board has not mentioned anything related to the demand made.
Suresh Gopi has not yet reacted to the controversy related to the film, which is his first to hit the screen after becoming Union Minister last year.
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