The release of the Malayalam film "JSK - Janaki vs State of Kerala," starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, has been stalled after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly denied it screening permission due to concerns over the title character's name. The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, revolves around Janaki, an assaulted woman's legal battle against the state.

The CBFC's objection stems from the name "Janaki" being an alternative name for the Hindu goddess Sita. According to sources, the board believes that using the name of a revered deity for a character who has suffered assault is inappropriate. This has led to the CBFC demanding that the filmmakers change the title and the character's name.

Pravin Narayanan confirmed on social media that the film's release, initially scheduled for June 27, has been postponed. He stated that the Censor Board denied screening permission for "Janaki," without elaborating further.

The CBFC's decision has sparked controversy and debate within the film industry, raising questions about creative freedom and censorship. B. Unnikrishnan, the General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), criticized the board's stance, emphasizing the constraints it places on filmmakers' ability to name their characters as they choose. He also mentioned that another Malayalam filmmaker recently faced a similar issue and was forced to change the name of a character from Janaki to Jayanthi to secure certification.

Unnikrishnan revealed that the Kerala regional censor board was satisfied with the film. He claims that Suresh Gopi mentions the name "Janaki" 96 times in the movie. He also added that FEFKA may launch a direct protest on this issue.

The film's director, Pravin Narayanan, stated that changing the name would significantly damage the film, as the name is mentioned in numerous dialogues. Suresh Gopi, who is also a Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, has not yet commented on the issue.

The controversy has put the film's release in jeopardy, and the filmmakers are now faced with the challenge of navigating the CBFC's demands while trying to preserve the integrity of their creative vision. The incident also highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and regulatory oversight in the Indian film industry.