From Theaters to Your Screens
After a turbulent theatrical journey marked by certification controversies and court battles, the Malayalam courtroom drama Janaki V v/s State of Kerala is set to release on OTT platforms on August 15, 2025—India’s Independence Day. Streaming services ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium will host the film, making it widely accessible across various Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
The Story Behind the Film
Originally slated for a June release, the film encountered delays due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the use of the name “Janaki”, which is also associated with the Hindu Goddess Sita. The filmmakers responded by modifying the title to “Janaki V vs State of Kerala” and making a few edits—after which the Kerala High Court cleared the way for certification and release .
Directed by Pravin Narayanan and produced under Cosmos Entertainments, the film finally hit theaters on July 17, 2025, after multiple postponements. Despite mixed reviews and moderate box office performance, the sensitive subject matter struck a chord with audiences .
Synopsis & Highlights
The film explores the emotional and legal turmoil faced by Janaki, a survivor of sexual assault, as she fights for justice—challenging the legal system and facing a formidable lawyer portrayed by Suresh Gopi, who plays David Abel Donovan. Anupama Parameswaran leads as Janaki, supported by compelling performances from Shruthi Ramachandran, Divya Pillai, Aksar Ali, and others .
The filmmakers emphasize that the digital release aims to give the film a broader audience reach beyond theaters, with the tagline “This Independence Day, let’s celebrate justice” reflecting its core theme