'Censor board withheld certificate for the film without providing a clear reason'; director of JSK responds

KOCHI: Praveen Narayanan, the director of the movie 'Janaki vs the State of Kerala (JSK)', has responded to the censor board's action of stalling the release of his film. Speaking to a media outlet, he said that the censor board withheld the certificate for his film without providing a clear reason.

"I suspect that they gave the direction to change the film's title without even watching the entire film. The review committee is scheduled to watch the film tomorrow in Mumbai. I'm hopeful that the review committee will make a favourable decision," Praveen said.

Meanwhile, the producers have approached the High Court seeking clarity on the censor board’s decision. The court will consider the petition today. The producers are demanding clarity on why a change in the film's title has been suggested.

Reports suggest that the censor board denied permission for the film's release, citing the need to change the name 'Janaki' of the character who faces abuse in the story. The directive suggests that the victim girl should not have a name synonymous with Goddess Sita. However, the director had earlier clarified that no written directive was received regarding this matter.

The censor board’s decision comes just days before the film’s scheduled worldwide theatrical release on June 27. The film’s team remains firm in their stance that the title will not be changed. Several film industry organisations have come forward in support of the filmmakers. Starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles, Janaki vs State of Kerala is described as a courtroom thriller.