‘Changing the name is not something we’ve even remotely considered,’ says director of ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’

Union Minister Suresh Gopi's upcoming film, JSK: Janaki vs State of Kerala, has found itself at the centre of a controversy over its title. Director Pravin Narayanan has now broken his silence on the issue, firmly stating that there are no plans to change the film’s name.

In a Facebook post, Pravin clarified that renaming the film was “not even a remote consideration” for the makers. He also confirmed that they are currently awaiting an official notice from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has reportedly raised concerns over the use of the name "Janaki".

"At this very moment, Janaki vs State of Kerala remains a single, unified cinematic experience for all. The journey, which began seven years ago with a newspaper report, is the result of the dreams, sweat, and patience of a committed team of artistes. Changing the name is not something we’ve even remotely considered. We await the CBFC’s show-cause notice," the director wrote.

The film, originally slated for release on June 27, is under scrutiny due to the use of “Janaki” in both the title and character name. According to reports, the CBFC has objected to the use of the name, citing potential offence to religious sentiments. The board allegedly suggested, verbally, that the name “Janaki”—which is associated with a revered Hindu deity—should not be used in the context of a fictional courtroom drama.

The filmmakers, however, stated that they have not received any written directive to change the name, only an oral suggestion. The controversy has sparked debate over creative freedom in Indian cinema, as the team awaits formal communication from the certification board.