T’puram: The Malayalam film industry on Monday staged a protest against Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its reported decision to withhold clearance for the feature film, Janaki vs State of Kerala. The decision was allegedly because the title character’s name, Janaki, is also the name of a Hindu goddess.The film, which stars Union minister and actor Suresh Gopi in the lead role, encountered a censorship hurdle after CBFC apparently asked the makers to alter the name of the protagonist. The move triggered widespread criticism from within the film fraternity, who allege political and religious interference in creative expression.In response, a protest march was organised to the regional CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram, led by a joint action committee of filmmakers, producers, actors and technicians. A symbolic inauguration of the protest was held in front of the CBFC office, where film workers threw scissors —representing censorship—into a trash bin with the slogan: “Start, camera, action, no cut.”The protest saw participation from several industry bodies and prominent figures. Representing the producers’ association, producer Ranjith joined the protest and criticised the censorship decision. From the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), actor Jayan Cherthala took part and questioned the logic behind asking for a name change after the film’s posters were already released. He alleged that the decision reflected the personal interests of a few individuals.Veteran actor Poojappura Radhakrishnan, representing the group ATMA, remarked that such interventions in names amounted to erasing one’s identity. Actor Indrans also expressed solidarity with the movement.The protest reflects a growing concern among filmmakers and artists over what they see as increasing moral and ideological policing in cinema. Many view the current row over Janaki vs State of Kerala, as part of a broader pattern of censorship being influenced by religious sensitivities and political pressure. The film’s certification remains pending and the makers are yet to receive a clear directive from the CBFC.
