'Janaki V v/s State of Kerala' row: Suresh Gopi calls for focus on message, not controversy - 'let Janaki speak'

On the day of 'Janaki V v/s State of Kerala's release, veteran actor Suresh Gopi made an impassioned appeal to let the voice of the film be highlighted beyond any noise of controversy.As reported by Mathrubhumi, breaking his silence for the first time on the censorship row that dogged the film, Suresh Gopi urged viewers to look past the headlines and absorb the social message at its heart.

Not just a film, but a statement

Speaking to reporters after attending the premiere at Ragam Theatre in Thrissur, Gopi said, "JSK is being widely accepted. The film itself is free of controversy and highlights a relevant, pressing issue. Efforts to sensationalize it should not distract from the powerful message it conveys."

He emphasized that JSK should be seen as more than entertainment — it’s a mirror held up to society’s treatment of women. “Let Janaki’s voice be the voice of all women.

Let it reflect the realities we often ignore. Laws are not enough; their proper implementation is key,” Suresh Gopi added.

From censorship to courtroom drama

The film, directed by Pravin Narayanan, stars Anupama Parameswaran in the titular role of Janaki, a woman who takes on the system. However, even before release, the film faced hurdles. The CBFC objected to the use of the full name "Janaki" in the title, prompting the makers to approach the High Court.

Eventually, the film was cleared under the modified title 'Janaki V v/s State of Kerala', with only the initial used to denote the protagonist.

Movie hits the big screens

Meanwhile, 'JSK' has finally hit the big screens and according to the Sacnilk website, the Suresh Gopi starrer mints Rs 1 crore on day 1. ETimes review for the film reads, "The movie suffers from an uneven screenplay that struggles to hold its narrative together. The plot jumps between subplots without building real momentum, and some characters like Vincy Aloshious’s Nimisha feel underwritten. The pacing is inconsistent, and the film often wavers between genres without clear focus.

While the premise is promising, the writing lacks the sharpness needed to fully explore its emotional and thematic potential."