Kerala High Court under the title of Malayalam film ‘Janki vs Kerala State’ starring Suresh Gopi of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) & lsquo; Janaki & rsquo; On Monday, on the insistence on changing the name, questioned.
Justice N. Nagresh said that this argument of the board seems prima facie impractical that the title of the film violates the certification guidelines. During the hearing on the petition filed by the manufacturers, the High Court asked, ‘How is it derogatory for a racial, religious or other group? Why cannot the name not be used? The case cannot be postponed indefinitely. ‘
The court said that Janaki’s character in the film is not accused. The court said, ‘He (Janaki’s character) is the victim. She is the heroine fighting for justice. Are you giving instructions to filmmakers…? ‘ Used in the film’s title and story in the petition & lsquo; Janaki & rsquo; The instructions of the revision committee of CBFC to remove or change the name have been challenged.
This instruction of the committee has come as a condition to give the film a censor certificate. High Court & Nbsp; said that in a country like India, where more than 80 percent of the people are inspired by religion, nothing is unusual or objectionable in the use of Janaki.
The court asked, ‘Names like Ahmed, Raman, Krishnan are based on religious identity. How is ‘Janaki’ different? Why is there an objection to the use of this name? ‘ The court questioned whether CBFC has the right to suggest which name a filmmaker can use for his characters.
Justice Nagaresh asked, ‘Has anyone complained about Janaki’s name? Whose feelings are hurting? Has anyone really objected? ‘ He said that the teaser of the film has been released three months ago without any controversy.
The petitioner has argued that Janki’s name does not fall in such a category, citing government circular permission to take action against the use of derogatory or harmful scenes or language for public system. The court questioned, ‘Will we now tell the artists what they should name?’
Justice Nagresh also appreciated the decision of the filmmakers to name the rape victim in the film and said that it has a symbolic meaning. The court directed the Censor Board to give specific and detailed explanation about why the name should be changed.
Justice Nagaresh said in his oral order, “You have to answer clearly why the name Janaki cannot be used.” He also said that the legal process cannot be delayed indefinitely.
The next hearing in the case will be held on Wednesday. The ‘Janaki vs Kerala State’, directed by Praveen Narayanan, also stars Anupama Parameswaran in the lead role. The film allegedly revolves around a legal battle against the state of a woman named Janki, a victim of sexual harassment.
According to sources, it was not approved to showcase the film saying that the name of Goddess Sita ‘Janaki’ cannot be used to portray such a character.