The Malayalam film industry is no stranger to intense courtroom dramas, but Janaki V vs State of Kerala brought that drama outside the screen as well—straight into the real-life legal arena. Starring Anupama Parameswaran and Suresh Gopi, this gripping legal thriller not only tells the story of a survivor’s fight for justice but also became a symbol of artistic freedom in India.
The Film: A Fight for Justice
Janaki V vs State of Kerala follows Janaki Vidhyadharan (Anupama Parameswaran), a determined woman seeking justice after a traumatic incident. The story unfolds in the courtroom, where veteran advocate David Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi) takes up her case. The narrative explores how the legal system handles sensitive cases, the societal prejudices survivors face, and the resilience required to fight back
With its powerful subject matter, the film promises both emotional depth and thrilling legal exchanges—blending social commentary with cinematic tension
The Controversy: What’s in a Name?
Before audiences could see it, the movie became entangled in a censorship row.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised objections to the lead character being named “Janaki,” citing religious sentiments as the name is associated with Goddess Sita. The board argued that using it for a rape survivor could cause offense.
The CBFC initially demanded 96 cuts and even a title change. This sparked outrage among filmmakers, artists, and free speech advocates, who saw it as an overreach into creative expression.
Kerala High Court Steps In
The producers challenged the CBFC’s demands in the Kerala High Court. Justice N. Nagaresh delivered a sharp critique of the censor board’s stance, questioning its authority to dictate character names or storylines. The court pointed out that “Janaki” is a common name in India and noted that countless films—like Seeta Aur Geeta or Ram Lakhan—have used mythological names without issue
This intervention paved the way for a compromise: the film was allowed to keep the title with a slight modification—adding the letter “V” after Janaki—and muting the name in two scenes. The CBFC issued certification on July 11, 2025.
DIGI MERCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
Theatrical Release and Reception
Early reviews praised Anupama Parameswaran’s heartfelt performance and Suresh Gopi’s commanding presence. However, critics noted uneven pacing and occasional over-dramatization. Still, the film’s relevance and the real-life censorship fight kept it in public discussion.
OTT Premiere
After its theatrical run, the film premiered on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium on August 15, 2025—coinciding with India’s Independence Day. It is available in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, expanding its reach beyond Kerala
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