'Delaying release will lead to a huge financial liability, unexpected things are happening': 'Janaki vs. State of Kerala' Director reacts

KOCHI: Director Praveen Narayanan has said that the delay in the release of 'Janaki vs. State of Kerala', which is in limbo after the Censor Board suggested changing the name, is having a huge financial impact. "New posters are coming up on top of the posters that have been pasted everywhere in Kerala. Printing more new posters will lead to a huge financial liability. There is a possibility that the release will be delayed further," he told Kerala Kaumudi Online.

The High Court had asked the Censor Board to explain if there are clear reasons for suggesting changing the name Janaki. The director's response was followed by this. "The delay in the release of the film is affecting a lot of people. The film was supposed to be released last Thursday, but today is Monday. We will know the decision only on Wednesday. Sometimes it may take months. We did not make the film for that. It is up to the producer to decide whether to change the name," said the director.

Praveen Narayanan also clarified that if the release is delayed further, it will lead to a huge financial liability. "Around Rs 20 crore was spent. The interest for it is additional. The producers are in a bad situation now. There have been OTT deals and agreements with theatres. It is a film that has done a lot of business. It is not something that affects just one person. There will be a lot of risk due to the delay in the release. We do not want Suresh Gopi to intervene as a Union Minister. We have not asked for it yet. I do not know if he is doing anything from his part. We have not talked about such things. The certificate should not be given like that. It is hoped that there will be a favourable decision from the High Court on Wednesday. Things have reached an unexpected level," said Praveen.

The High Court on Wednesday asked the Censor Board if there are clear reasons to suggest changing the name 'Janaki'. Justice N Nagaresh directed the Censor Board to inform what the situation is in giving the name Janaki. The court also asked whether the Censor Board is suggesting to the artist what the theme of the film and the name should be.