The Malayalam film "Janaki V/s State of Kerala," starring Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, has navigated a challenging path to its release, marked by a dispute with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). After facing objections and delays, the film, now titled "Janaki V v/s State of Kerala," is finally set to hit theaters on July 17, 2025.

The controversy began when the CBFC raised concerns over the film's original title, "Janaki vs State of Kerala". The board argued that the use of "Janaki," a revered name for the Hindu goddess Sita, could potentially hurt religious sentiments, especially given the film's sensitive subject matter. The film tells the story of Janaki (played by Anupama Parameswaran), a woman seeking justice after a traumatic event, with Suresh Gopi portraying the senior advocate representing her in court.

Initially, the CBFC demanded a staggering 96 cuts and a complete change of the film's title. This led to a legal battle, with the filmmakers challenging the board's decision. The Kerala High Court intervened, directing the CBFC to explain its objections and ultimately facilitating a settlement between the producers and the board.

Ultimately, the CBFC revised its stance, agreeing to clear the film with minor changes. The filmmakers agreed to modify the title to "Janaki V v/s State of Kerala," incorporating the protagonist's full name, Janaki Vidhyadharan. Additionally, the name "Janaki" will be muted in two courtroom scenes where it is uttered. These scenes occur between 1:06:45 and 1:08:32, and again between 1:08:33 and 1:08:36 of the film. The CBFC was concerned that certain questions posed to Janaki during a cross-examination, regarding drug use, pornography, and relationships, could hurt religious sentiments if a character named after a revered deity was subjected to them.

The resolution of the conflict was met with mixed reactions. Some lauded the filmmakers for standing their ground and fighting for their creative vision, while others criticized the CBFC for its initial demands and perceived censorship. Director B Unnikrishnan, for example, called the CBFC's reasoning "shameful" and "regressive," questioning the precedent it sets. He also pointed out the CBFC's highlighting of the fact that the lawyer questioning Janaki belongs to another religion, asking, "Does this mean Muslim lawyers can't defend Janaki?".

Despite the controversies, the makers of "Janaki V v/s State of Kerala" are eager to release their film. With the censorship issues resolved and a U/A certificate granted, the film is now slated for release on July 17, 2025. The film is a courtroom drama set against the backdrop of Kerala's judicial system, exploring themes of justice, truth, and individual resilience. Alongside Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, the film also stars Shruthi Ramachandran, Madhav Suresh, and Divya Pillai.