Kochi: Actor Shine Tom Chacko has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Suresh Gopi-starrer JSK: Janaki vs State of Kerala.

Speaking to the media, Shine questioned why the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) refused to clear the film and said the board should be the one answering such queries.

“Shouldn’t the question be directed at the censor board? What religion does the name Janaki belong to? Isn’t it cultural? Has it ever been said anywhere that Sita is Hindu or that Janaki is Hindu? The character belongs to India, to this region. Just because I responded, they’re not going to give the certificate. These issues will never end,” Shine said.

He added that unless one has actual authority, making comments has no real impact.

Directed by Pravin Narayanan, JSK: Janaki vs State of Kerala stars Suresh Gopi in the lead role. The CBFC raised objections to the film's release over its title and demanded makers change the name of the central character, Janaki. The film was initially scheduled for release on June 27.

Following the board’s decision, the producers moved to the Kerala High Court. The court has since viewed the film, and the case is currently under consideration.