KOCHI: After weeks of legal wrangling and uncertainty, Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi’s latest film Janaki. V vs State of Kerala has finally received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), paving the way for its release.

The film, originally titled Janaki vs State of Kerala, ran into trouble when the CBFC objected to the use of the name “Janaki” in the title, citing concerns under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act.

The production company challenged the decision in the Kerala High Court, initiating a legal battle that drew considerable public attention.

Following three rounds of hearings, the producers — initially unwilling to change the title — agreed to a slight modification, renaming the film Janaki. V vs State of Kerala during the July 9 hearing.

The production team’s counsel, Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran, said the compromise was a mutual decision after both parties opted for a softer approach.

Initially, the CBFC had proposed 96 cuts, but after multiple rounds of discussion, that number was reduced to just two. Additionally, two dialogues were muted. The re-edited version was resubmitted on Saturday, and the CBFC promptly granted certification.

The Kerala High Court had earlier directed the CBFC to issue the certificate within three days of receiving the final version of the film.