Janaki V vs State Of Kerala, the courtroom drama starring veteran actor, Suresh Gopi and South Indian actress, Anupama Parameswaran, has already been making a lot of noise. Earlier, the title of the film was Janaki vs State Of Kerala, but after a legal issue, the makers changed the name to Janaki V vs State Of Kerala, where Anupama played the role of ‘Janaki Vidhyadharan’. For the unversed, the film is set to hit the big screen today, July 17, 2025, after being rescheduled from its original release date of June 20, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the ratings and reviews of the film and the delay in its release.
Janaki V vs State Of Kerala ratings and reviews
Ever since the film was released, it seemed like Janaki V vs State Of Kerala has failed to impress the audience. Movie buffs took to their X handle (formerly Twitter) to share their reviews and share their ratings as well. One user wrote, “#JanakiVvsStateofKerala #jsk – Below Average One. A Typical Rape Victim Based Investigation Thriller which is Templated & Typical Having No Impacts or Engaging Elements.. 10 Minutes Before Interval Were Only Good Moments. Also Worst Dialogue & Performances from cast TOTALLY 2/5.” Another user tweeted:
“#JSK is a perfect example of how old-school filmmaking and template writing can ruin a proven plot. This courtroom drama failed at the first instance with the cast involved, probably the only recent film with all major cast and crew delivering pathetic and poor performances.”
A few users also gave mixed reactions. Lauding Suresh Gopi and Anupama’s performance, a user wrote, “#JSK Review – A textbook example of how lazy filmmaking can ruin a solid plot. This courtroom drama sinks fast with outdated direction, dull writing, and shockingly weak performances from a capable cast. #SureshGopi does his best to channel his Chinthamani days, & #AnupamaParameswaran holds her ground, but nothing else clicks. Court scenes are passable at best, but the second half is a complete drag. No thrill, no connect, no spark. A forgettable mess.#JanakiVvsStateofKerala – Below Average. Forgettable Theatre Experience. Another user tweeted:
“#JanakiVvsStateofKerala – Okayish First Half Initially Set up with Template – Cliche Format & Getting Engaged When It Comes Near Interval #SureshGopi & Anupama Were Good In Their Roles..The Verdict Belongs To Second Half Results.. #Jsk.”
Why was Janaki V vs State Of Kerala delayed in its release?
In May 2025, a legal issue arose that caused the film’s release to be delayed. The Madras High Court issued a temporary ban on Janaki V vs State Of Kerala, after a Chennai-based production company accused the film’s producers of unpaid dues. Suresh Gopi’s involvement as a lead actor in the film has gained a lot of traction to the legal matter. Meanwhile, the film also faced objections from the CBFC and the censor board. It started with the naming of the film, Janaki vs State Of Kerala. For the uninitiated, the name ‘Janaki’ is associated with the Hindu Goddess, Sita, and the censor board found it inappropriate to use the name for a character who is facing sexual harassment.
However, the Kerala High Court gets involved in the matter. During the hearing, the lawyer representing the censor board said that the film was passed with just two changes. The first change was to the title, from Janaki vs State Of Kerala to Janaki V vs State Of Kerala, to clarify that the name ‘Janaki’ is not related to the Goddess Sita, but rather to the main character, ‘Janaki Vidyadharan’.
The second one was related to the cross-examination scene in the courtroom. It was advised to mute the name of the lead actress. Earlier, CBFC also recommended 92 changes and cuts in the film. In the entire controversy, another important aspect came to light: censorship rules differ from state to state. For those unaware, the Mumbai division objected to the Janaki V vs State Of Kerala; the Kerala division passed the film without any changes. This makes it difficult for filmmakers who think of a pan-India release.
How much did you like Janaki V vs State Of Kerala? Let us know.
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