In an unexpected turn of events, the release of the much-anticipated Malayalam film “Janaki Vs State of Kerala,” starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, has been plunged into uncertainty. The film was scheduled for release on June 27 but failed to secure clearance from the Censor Board’s revision committee in Mumbai just a day before its intended premiere.
According to a report by On Manorama, the revision committee, which screened the film on Thursday, upheld an earlier directive from the Board, insisting that the name of the titular character “Janaki” be changed. The decision follows a dispute over the title, which has been contested by the Kerala Film Exhibitors’ Federation (FEFKA), the makers of the film, and the Censor Board.
The director of the film, Pravin Narayanan, shared the latest setback on his Facebook page, expressing his disappointment and frustration at the turn of events. The rejection comes as a significant blow to the team, given that the film was already delayed due to the ongoing pandemic and its subsequent impact on cinema releases.
The development has sparked a debate among film enthusiasts and critics in Kerala and beyond. Many have taken to social media platforms to express their dismay over the situation, urging the authorities to reconsider their decision and allow the film’s release as originally planned.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the makers of “Janaki Vs State of Kerala” will challenge the Censor Board’s ruling or resort to a change in the film’s title to secure clearance. The fate of the movie hangs in the balance, with its June 27 release date seemingly slipping away.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. In the meantime, The Print and Indian Express will continue to bring you the latest news on this and other developments in Kerala politics.
