Showing Character With Goddess Name Being Aggressively Cross-Examined By Lawyer Of Another Religion Threatens Public Order : CBFC To Kerala HC

Opposing the certification of the Malayalam film "Janaki vs State of Kerala", the Central Board of Film Certification told the Kerala High Court in an affidavit that the objection is regarding the fact that in the movie, the title character "Janaki", which is another name of Goddess Sita, is subjected to rape and many traumatic and unpleasant experiences, which can offend reliigous sentiments.

"Such a portrayal fundamentally undermines the dignity and sanctity associated with the revered persona of Goddess Sita, thereby causing grave offense to religious sentiments," the CBFC said.

The CBFC further said that in the movie, the title character is cross-examined by a defence lawyer belonging to another religion, who asks her many objectioable questions such as whether she used drugs to enhance sexual pleasure, whether she watched pornographic videos, whether she had a boyfried  etc. Such portrayal can disrupt public order, the CBFC asserted.

"It is submitted that the posing of such provocative questions to a character named after Goddess Sita will have the tendency to disrupt public order and offend religious sentiments," the CBFC said.

According to the CBFC, the narrative ploy of the film can lead to communal disorder.

"In the subject Film, when the lead character who is named after Goddess Sita/Janaki is raped, she is then aided by a man belonging to one particular religious community and is cross examined and asked harrowing questions by a person belonging to another religious community. This religious dichotomy in the treatment of a character bearing Goddess Sita's sacred name has the potential to inflame communal tensions and create divisive narratives between religious groups."

As per the CBFC, these "religiously charged" sub plots would pose a severe "threat to public order."

The CBFC's counsel, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, today told the Kerala High Court that only two modifications are needed - one, show the name as "Janavi V" instead of "Janaki" in the title; two, omit the reference to her name in the scene showing her cross-examination in the court.

The High Court is hearing a writ petition filed by the producers of the film challenging the CBFC's refusal to certify it. Last week, Justice Nagaresh had watched the film in a special screening.

Case Title: M/s Cosmos Entertainments v. The Regional Officer, CBFC and Others and Connected case