Courtroom drama featuring Suresh Gopi set for OTT release, revealing details on when and where to stream the Janaki V v/s State Of Kerala case
Title Change and Legal Battle for Malayalam Film "Janaki vs State of Kerala"
The Malayalam film originally titled "Janaki vs State of Kerala" faced a significant legal and censorship battle due to its title. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to the use of the name "Janaki" because it is closely associated with Goddess Sita, a revered Hindu deity.
The film, a courtroom drama starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, was initially cleared with a U/A certificate by the regional office of CBFC in Thiruvananthapuram. However, the Mumbai office demanded a title change, citing concerns about religious sensitivity.
As a result, the filmmakers were asked to make numerous cuts (reportedly up to 96) along with a change to the film's title before certification could be granted. The production house filed a petition in the Kerala High Court against the delay in certification.
During the court proceedings, the censor board's stance softened, agreeing to clear the film with just two modifications: a slight change in the film's title to "Janaki V vs State of Kerala", clarifying that the name referred specifically to the lead character, Janaki Vidyadharan, and not the goddess. Additionally, the muting of the name "Janaki" in a particular courtroom cross-examination scene was required.
The controversy attracted criticism from film industry bodies like the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and political groups such as the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), who saw the CBFC's original demand as an infringement on creative freedom. The controversy highlighted broader concerns over censorship and freedom of expression in cinema.
Following the legal battle and modifications, the film eventually received U/A certification and was released on July 17, 2025, in multiple languages. Now, the film is set to be released on digital platforms on August 15. The digital release was announced by the streaming platform Zee5 on their social media.
Criticism from netizens has emerged, with some saying the film lacks impact. Despite this, the film will be available to stream in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, making it accessible to a wider audience. The film's digital release marks a new chapter in its journey, allowing it to reach viewers across the country.
In summary, the legal battle behind the title change revolved around concerns about religious sensitivity and freedom of expression, leading to the retitling of the film from "Janaki vs State of Kerala" to "Janaki V vs State of Kerala" after court intervention and negotiation with the censor board. The film's digital release on August 15 promises to bring this controversial yet intriguing courtroom drama to a larger audience.
References: [1] The Hindu, "Janaki vs State of Kerala: CBFC objects to film’s title", 2025. [2] The News Minute, "Janaki vs State of Kerala: CBFC demands 92 cuts, title change", 2025. [3] The Indian Express, "Janaki vs State of Kerala: Film released in theatres after title change", 2025. [4] The New Indian Express, "Janaki vs State of Kerala: Controversy over title change highlights censorship concerns", 2025. [5] Firstpost, "Janaki vs State of Kerala: Film releases in theatres after title change, CBFC controversy", 2025.
While the legal battle over the title change of the Malayalam film "Janaki vs State of Kerala" centered around religious sensitivity and freedom of expression, the filmmakers might consider using food trucks or popcorn stands during the digital release promotions, as a way to engage with the audience and offer movie-related treats. To accompany the movie nights at home, streaming the film on digital platforms like Zee5 could be paired with suggestions for "movies-and-tv" marathons, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in related content. In such a setting, enjoying a favorite food while watching the drama unfold could elevate the viewing experience, offering a taste of real-life entertainment.
