Kerala High Court Challenges Censorship Over Film's Name 'Janaki'

The Kerala High Court has raised concerns over the Central Board of Film Certification's insistence on changing the name 'Janaki' in an upcoming Malayalam film starring Suresh Gopi. The court noted that the justification provided by the board appeared weak and unsustainable.

Justice N Nagaresh questioned the CBFC, asking if the name 'Janaki' was offensive to any racial, religious, or other groups and why it couldn't be used in the film. Emphasizing that Janaki is a victim and a heroine fighting for justice, the court queried the CBFC about its authority in suggesting character names to filmmakers.

The CBFC had demanded the name change as a condition for granting the censor certificate, citing potential offensiveness due to its religious connotation. The court urged the board to provide a detailed rationale for its stance and critiqued the delay caused in the film's certification.

(With inputs from agencies.)