Overview

• The CBFC’s Mumbai headquarters denied certification for the Malayalam film, citing objections that the name Janaki—an epithet for Goddess Sita—should not be used for an assault survivor.
• Regional CBFC officials in Thiruvananthapuram had granted a U/A certificate on June 18 without issue, but final clearance was withheld after the film was forwarded to Mumbai.
• Director Pravin Narayanan confirmed the scheduled June 27 release is postponed and said the team is waiting for a formal notice outlining the board’s demands.
• The Film Employees Federation of Kerala has condemned the decision as unwarranted censorship and threatened protests if the CBFC does not retract its stance.
• Earlier this month, another Malayalam production, Token Number, changed its lead’s name from Janaki to Jayanthi to secure CBFC approval under similar objections.