JSK: Janaki V vs State of Kerala was released on 17 July 2025 in theatres. The film is written and directed by Pravin Narayanan and produced by Cosmos Entertainment. It is a courtroom drama based on a woman named Janaki, a sexual assault survivor, seeking for justice. The movie features Suresh Gopi as Advocate David Abel Donovan and Anupama Parameswaran as Janaki.
Janaki V vs State of Kerala – The Story Plot
Janaki V vs State of kerala (JSK) film is based on the woman named Janaki, an IT professional from Bengaluru, who returns to Kerala to meet her parents and is sexually assaulted during her visit. She files a case to get justice, but the story takes a turn when a famous and powerful lawyer, David Abel Donovan (played by Suresh Gopi), is hired by the accused. He is smart, confident, and knows how to weaken the opponent’s case.The film is a legal battle full of twists, heated arguments, and political influence.
The Controversy of JSK-Janaki V vs State of Kerala
Even before the release, the movie faced a clash with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The JSK-Janaki V vs State of Kerala was originally titled Janaki vs State of Kerala(JSK) , the CBFC objected the use of the name “Janaki” in certain scenes, claiming it could be linked to real people and might hurt sentiments. They asked the makers to either change the name or mute it in those scenes.
After long discussions, the title was officially changed to Janaki V vs State of Kerala, and the word “Janaki” was muted in two scenes.
Cast and Performance
Suresh Gopi playing Advocate David Abel Donovan is powerful with sharp expressions and a fiery dialogues that make every courtroom scene high voltage. This role brings him back to the kind of performances that made him a household name in the ’90s.
Anupama Parameswaran as Janaki perfectly expresses Janaki’s pain, and her courage and determination. But she doesn’t get enough screen time to fully convey the depth of her character and is often overshadowed by the male lead that is Suresh Gopi .
Aju Varghese and Others have imited roles with minimal impact on the story.
JSK- Janaki V vs State of Kerala Cinematography and Music:
The cinematography by Renadive adds drama to the film, especially in courtroom scenes where low-angle shots make Suresh Gopi appear even more fiery and commanding. Festival and outdoor scenes are rich and vibrant. However, in some emotional moments, the visuals feels too grand instead of emotional and intimate , which takes away from the personal connection to Janaki’s story.
Music is composed by Ghibran and adds weight to Suresh Gopi’s speeches and makes courtroom scenes more intense during heated arguments. However, like the cinematography, the music becomes too loud during emotional scenes where it should have been softer.
Critics of the Movie
Many reviewers felt that the film focuses more on the lawyer’s life and courtroom drama rather than Janaki’s story, which should have been the main core of the film. The second half is bit slower and boring with unnecessary political subplots. Some critics also said the film lacks real emotion and authenticity.
Final conclusion:
Janaki V vs State of Kerala( JSK) is a courtroom drama with powerful and commanding performance by Suresh Gopi’s , which will impress his fans. However, it lacks the emotional depth needed to fully capture Janaki’s pain and courage. The film aims to explore how sexually assaulted survivor fight for justice, how powerful lawyers can shape the court’s perception, and how politics can affect sensitive cases. Even in the film, the woman fighting for justice feels diluted in front of a powerful male lead.
