June 27, 2025: “We Had Seeta Aur Geeta. Why Not Janaki?”, Kerala HC Slams CBFC Over Malayalam Film Delay
In a dramatic turn during a packed courtroom session on Friday, the Kerala High Court openly questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its objection to the use of the name ‘Janaki’ in the upcoming Malayalam film JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and actor Anupama Parameswaran.
The court’s firm words came as it heard a petition filed by Cosmos Entertainment, the production house behind the film. The movie, which reportedly explores sensitive themes including sexual violence, was set for release on June 27 but has been stalled due to certification delays.
Justice N Nagaresh pushed back against the CBFC’s concerns, referencing Indian cinema’s long-standing tradition of using mythological names without issue. “We had Seeta Aur Geeta. Janaki is Seeta. Nobody complained. We had Ram Lakhan. No one objected. Why is Janaki a problem now?” the judge asked the Deputy Solicitor General representing the CBFC.
The controversy stems from a show cause notice issued by the CBFC, instructing the filmmakers to remove the name ‘Janaki‘ from the title and dialogues. According to the CBFC, the name—commonly associated with Goddess Sita, could violate certification guidelines by potentially offending religious sentiments.
CBFC Faces Court Heat Over Blocking Malayalam Film ‘JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala’
However, the court noted that the CBFC’s own Screening Committee had initially cleared the film. It was only after the matter was referred to the Revising Committee by the Board’s Chairman that objections were raised. This shift raised eyebrows in court.
The filmmakers’ counsel argued that the Revising Committee, under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, does not have the authority to issue a show cause notice. Its mandate, the counsel said, is limited to suggesting edits or issuing certificates, not initiating fresh objections.
“We Had Seeta Aur Geeta. Why Not Janaki?” — Kerala HC Slams CBFC Over Malayalam Film Delay
Justice Nagaresh directed the CBFC to present the show cause notice in court by June 30. Until then, the filmmakers have the option to respond to the notice or challenge it via appeal.
Cosmos Entertainment said it submitted the film for certification on June 12 and completed the screening process by June 18. They claim the delay, and sudden demand to remove a central character’s name, is causing financial harm and infringes on their constitutional rights, specifically the freedom of speech and the right to conduct a profession under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
As the case unfolds, it places renewed focus on how creative expression is regulated in Indian cinema, and whether mythological names, long accepted across genres, should now be censored based on interpretation.