Following a protracted controversy over its title, Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Janaki V vs State of Kerala' has finally been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Given a rating of U/A 16, the board's approval comes after it initially refused to approve the title, citing that 'Janaki' was another name for the Hindu goddess Sita. It also prescribed 96 cuts for the film.
The CBFC's call for sweeping cuts led to backlash, which escalated with the filmmakers appealing against the cuts and the name change in the Kerala High Court, as per an OnManorama report. This led to the CBFC to retract its original advisory, asking for 2 cuts instead.
Abhinav Chandrachud, a lawyer representing the certification board, suggested alternate titles for the film, arguing that the depiction of a character named after a revered figure in Hindu mythology, being subjected to provocative questions regarding drug use, pornography, and relationships, could hurt religious sentiments and disturb public order.
The filmmakers have also agreed to mute the character's name during two brief segments of a courtroom cross-examination, where it is uttered twice.
(This is a developing story.)
