Key Points

A Kerala High Court judge is set to personally view a film starring Suresh Gopi after the Central Board of Film Certification raised objections to its title 'Janaki'. The film's release has been delayed due to concerns about the name, with the court questioning the CBFC's reasoning. Justice N. Nagresh seems sympathetic to the film's narrative, highlighting that the protagonist Janaki is a victim seeking justice. The film's producers are frustrated by the ongoing legal battle and potential financial losses.

Key Points: Suresh Gopi's Janaki Film Faces Kerala HC Censorship Battle

  • Kerala HC judge to view Suresh Gopi film on Saturday
  • CBFC objects to film's title 'Janaki'
  • Movie release stalled due to name controversy
  • Producers facing financial losses
2 min read

'Name row': Kerala HC judge to view stalled Suresh Gopi film on Saturday

Kerala High Court to review controversial film title 'Janaki' amid CBFC objections, with judge set to watch the movie

"She is not a rapist. If a rapist is named as Rama, Krishna, Janaki, then I can understand. - Justice N. Nagresh"

Kochi, July 2

In an interesting move, the Kerala High Court judge, hearing the case where the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised objections over the use of the name 'Janaki' in the film starring Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, has decided to see the film on Saturday.

The film was to have been released on June 27 but with the CBFC opposing 'Janaki' in the title, it’s been held up with the censor board submitting that the current title of the film violates guidelines issued by the Central government, pursuant to Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act.

When the case came up before Justice N. Nagresh on Wednesday for the third time in the past 10 days after film production company Cosmos Entertainments had last month approached the high court alleging unreasonable delay by the CBFC in granting the censor certificate to Gopi’s film, the board, for the second time this week, sought more time to present their case.

Then the judge asked if it’s possible to see the film in the court's premises.

But the film production company said that it’s not possible, and it can be viewed only in the studio.

Hence, Justice Nagresh will see the film at 10 a.m. on Saturday and posted the case to July 5 when the orders will be put out.

At its previous hearing on Monday, the court, noting that the protagonist named Janaki is a victim of sexual assault seeking justice in court of law, orally pointed out that "she is not a rapist. If a rapist is named as Rama, Krishna, Janaki, then I can understand. At least we can appreciate that you should not name that character with God's name. Here, she is a heroine of the film, fighting for the cause of justice".

Gopi continues to maintain stoic silence, even as the producers are crying foul that time is money and they are losing money as the film was to have been released on June 27.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a Malayali, I'm tired of these unnecessary controversies delaying good films. The judge's point is valid - if the character is fighting for justice, what's the problem with the name Janaki? CBFC should focus on real issues like vulgarity in films, not names.
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Sarah B
Interesting case! In Western countries, such name controversies are rare unless it's trademark issues. The judge personally viewing the film shows dedication to understanding the context. Hope this sets a good precedent for future cases.
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Arjun K
While I support creative freedom, we must respect religious sentiments too. Maybe the producers could have avoided using such a revered name? There are thousands of other beautiful names they could have chosen. Just saying... 🤷‍♂️
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Meera T
The real issue here is the financial loss to producers due to CBFC's delay tactics. Our film industry already suffers enough - can't we have more transparent and timely certification processes? The judge's intervention is welcome but the system needs reform.
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Vikram M
Suresh Gopi's silence speaks volumes! As a minister and actor, he should clarify his stand. Is this creative freedom or political pressure on CBFC? The Kerala film industry deserves better than this drama.

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