Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday closed the writ petition filed by the producers of Janaki v State of Kerala, the upcoming Suresh Gopi-starrer, after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted the film a U/A certificate on July 11 following key changes.

The legal tussle between the production and the CBFC was over the name of the protagonist 'Janaki', who is a rape survivor. The CBFC had initially raised objections to the use of the name, which is considered sacred to Hindu religion, in the subtitle and several scenes. To resolve the matter, the production house agreed to alter the subtitle to Janaki V and mute the name in two specific scenes where the character is shown being aggressively cross-examined by a lawyer from another religious community. The Board, which had earlier suggested 96 cuts, scaled it down to two after the revisions.

Justice N Nagaresh, while closing the petition, observed:
“It is submitted that the petitioner has submitted modified version of the film and the Central Board of Film Certification has issued certificate on 11/07/2025. The prime grievance of the petitioner now stands redressed.”

The court also quashed concerns that the film's teaser and other promotional materials, released under the original title Janaki v State of Kerala, might prompt litigation or consumer complaints. To avoid such complications, the court clarified:
“In view of the peculiar circumstances in which the revised version of the movie is now being granted censor certificate, it is declared that the use of materials/teaser with the old name by the petitioner shall not in any manner legally, adversely affect the petitioner, and no claim in that regard will be maintainable against the petitioner.”

The court’s remarks are expected to shield the producers from potential consumer court challenges by viewers alleging a mismatch between the advertised title and the final release. The film, which was initially scheduled for release on June 27, will now hit theatres on July 17.

In previous hearings, CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud had assured the court that the Board would certify the edited version within three days of submission. The matter was posted for compliance today, following which the petition was formally closed.
(With LiveLaw inputs.)