In a noteworthy hearing, the High Court questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its objection to the title of an upcoming Malayalam film, Janaki vs State of Kerala. Referring to iconic Bollywood films like Sita Aur Geeta and Ram Lakhan, the court asked why mythological or character-based titles have suddenly become problematic.
The Case at Hand
The producers of Janaki vs State of Kerala had approached the court after the CBFC denied certification, reportedly raising concerns about the film’s title and its perceived association with religious or cultural symbolism.
The court, however, pushed back, noting:
"If Sita Aur Geeta was acceptable in the 1970s and Ram Lakhan in the 1980s, why is Janaki suddenly controversial?"
CBFC’s Stand
The CBFC allegedly contended that the title could hurt sentiments, especially since Janaki is a traditional name for Goddess Sita. The film, however, is said to be a courtroom drama focusing on a woman's legal battle—without any mythological content or references.
High Court Defends Artistic Expression
The bench emphasized that:
Creative titles alone do not justify censorship
Viewers are capable of understanding the context
India has a rich history of using religious names in fictional settings
The court observed that suppressing such titles could set a dangerous precedent and hamper creative freedom in cinema.
Larger Implications
This case has reignited debates on:
Censorship vs freedom of expression
CBFC’s role as a certifying vs regulating authority
Cultural sensitivity vs creative license
Filmmakers, artists, and activists have voiced concern over increasing scrutiny of titles, dialogues, and even posters by certification boards.
FAQs
Q: Why did CBFC object to the title Janaki vs State of Kerala?
A: CBFC reportedly feared the title might hurt religious sentiments due to the name Janaki, another name for Goddess Sita.
Q: Is the movie related to mythology?
A: No, the film is understood to be a contemporary legal drama unrelated to mythological themes.
Q: What was the High Court's view?
A: The High Court questioned the inconsistency, pointing to past films with mythological names that faced no censorship issues.
Q: What’s next for the film?
A: The case continues, but the court’s observations are being seen as a win for creative expression in Indian cinema.
published on 28th june
Publisher : SMITA
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