Kerala Film Industry Protests Against CBFC's Title Change Order
Various entities within the Kerala film industry protested against the CBFC's order to rename the film 'Janaki vs The State of Kerala,' citing it as a violation of creative freedom. The protest highlights concerns over censorship and its impact on freedom of expression in cinema.
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In a dramatic show of unity, the Kerala film industry staged a protest on Monday at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regional office, opposing its directive to rename the Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Janaki vs The State of Kerala'.
The protest included producers, directors, actors, and technicians, who decried the CBFC's demand as a severe infringement on freedom of expression. According to B Unnikrishnan, director and General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), the move to change the film's title is emblematic of a troubling trend of censorship encroaching on filmmakers' creative rights.
Furthermore, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam criticized the involvement of Suresh Gopi—a film star and a government minister—while other industry figures expressed concerns about creative expression. Allegedly, the CBFC denied clearance for the film over the use of 'Janaki,' a name sacred to some, reflecting increasing tension surrounding cultural sensitivity and cinema.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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