Kerala Film Bodies Oppose CBFC Diktat on Movie Titles, Warn of Legal Action

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has issued new guidelines for filmmakers to submit their movies. One of the rules is that the films’ release dates and titles must not be considered final irrespective of the promotional material. The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the Film Producers Association deemed it as an unnecessary expansion of the board’s powers. 

Anil Thomas, president of the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, shared how having a fixed title is important for several activities surrounding the film. He said that the body verifies if a title has been used elsewhere once a maker registers one with them. They also ensure that the titles are approved in an appropriate manner ruling out anything offensive or obscene.  

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He said letting the CBFC dictate film titles is unnecessary. Thomas added in a statement to OnManorama, “There is already considerable intervention from the Censor Board. We cannot allow a situation where it gets ultimate control over film titles as well.”

B Ragesh, president of the Film Producers Association also highlighted how a title matters in a film’s commercial prospects. He said they give movies an identity and producers can advertise the film with that name. He said it is wrong if a filmmaker is told to change the title just two days before a movie’s release. He was quoted as saying to the same publication, “In Kerala, at least 200 films are released every year. Imagine the situation if all of them have to be promoted without a confirmed title until shortly before release.” 

The film bodies also plan to meet Kerala State’s Cultural Affairs Minister, PC Vishnunadh to seek a resolution to this matter. They are contemplating legal action if these concerns are not addressed by the CBFC. 

Pravin Narayanan’s 2025 movie “Janaki vs State of Kerala” had to undergo a title change due to the Central Board of Film Certification. The committee suggested changes due to the film’s sensitive matter and association of the name Janaki with Goddess Sita. They had suggested 96 changes that later came down to two. Organizations like the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) had supported the makers. The Kerala High Court had also sought an explanation from the CBFC.