Lawyer Asks CBFC for Sacred Name List to Prevent Misuse in Films

Fast Summary

• A Kochi-based lawyer, Hareesh Vasudevan, has submitted an RTI submission to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai.
• The lawyer is requesting a list of the names of gods, goddesses, and sacred religious terms in India to avoid using them for characters in his proposed movie.
• This move follows objections by CBFC regarding the use of the name ‘Janaki’ for a character in the Malayalam film Janaki v/s State of Kerala. The filmmakers compromised by modifying the name to “V Janaki” for its theatrical release.
• Mr. Vasudevan is seeking clarity on CBFC’s objections and their sources for identifying ‘Janaki’ as a sacred name.
• His request aims to ensure no characters are named after deities or sacred names while depicting sensitive topics like sexual assault and rape, thus avoiding any potential controversies about undermining religious sanctity.

Indian opinion Analysis
The RTI application by Hareesh Vasudevan underscores an significant intersection between filmmaking and sensitivities related to religion in India. With CBFC previously objecting to character names perceived as religiously significant, this proactive measure reflects efforts by creative artists to avoid conflicts with regulatory norms or public sentiments-both crucial considerations given India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.While Mr. Vasudevan’s approach demonstrates accountability toward preventing misuse or misunderstanding around religious identities, it also revives broader debates around artistic freedom versus cultural stewardship. Acquiring standard guidelines from authorities such as CBFC coudl help balance creative liberty with respect for societal values in cinema-possibly reducing subjective controversies surrounding censorship decisions.

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