Why Can't Janaki Be Movie's Name, Kerala HC Asks CBFC

The High Court Questioned Whether CBFC Has Authority To Suggest Names For Film Characters

- Press Trust of India

KOCHI: The Kerala high court on Monday questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its insistence on changing the name "Janaki" in the upcoming Suresh Gopi-starrer Malayalam film, Janaki vs the State of Kerala.

Justice N Nagaresh observed that the reason cited by the board that the title violates certification guidelines appears prima facie unsustainable.

"How is it contemptuous to any racial, religious, or other group? Why cannot the name be used? The case cannot be indefinitely adjourned," the court said.

The court said that in the movie, the character Janaki is not an accused. "She is a victim. She is a heroine fighting for justice. Are you dictating the filmmakers...?" the court asked, during a hearing on a plea filed by the filmmakers.