The High Court indicates Sita and Geeta and Ram Lakhan, asks why CBFC Objects for the title of Janaki vs. State of Kerala in the state of Kerala

Following the CBFC’s first demand for change in the title of the film, the matter was taken by the amended committee of the board, which was also asked for name change. CBFC wants to change the word, Jandi is another name for Sita, which is also the name of the main character in the film.

When the matter came to hear in the High Court, Justice N. Nagresh said that there were many films, which had the names of the gods, and there was no problem till now. “Then, how is there a complaint for Janaki?” The judge asked. The court noted that such Sita and Geeta (1972) and Ram Lakhan (1989) were films.

The CBFC informed the court that it has issued a notice to the manufacturers stating that the film could be approved for a public exhibition if they make changes with the main character, public, and dialogue. The notice also states that the Amendment Committee came to the conclusion.

It said that the film is related to mature material, including sexual offenses, strong sexual language/words, drug context, smoking and alcohol consumption. Keeping this in mind, the Amendment Committee unanimously recommended the grant of ‘UA 16+’ with amendments.

Subsequently, the court directed the CBFC to give notice before the next day of the hearing on 30 June, even asked the filmmakers to reply to the notice or appeal against it.

The Supreme Court advocate and Rajya Sabha member Haris Birn, who appeared for the manufacturer, Cosmos Entertainment, said the board had no right to issue such notice. This cinematograph is unstable under certification rules. He said, “We are going to challenge the notice as the film’s release will be delayed only by filing an answer.”