August 5, 2025 | Global Release – In a powerful move this Independence Day, ZEE5 Global, the premier streaming platform for South Asian content across 190+ countries, has announced the digital premiere of Janaki V/S State of Kerala. The gripping Malayalam courtroom drama will stream from August 15, available in five languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Written and directed by Pravin Narayanan and produced by J Phanindra Kumar, with Sethuraman Nair Kankol as co-producer, the film is a thought-provoking reflection on justice, trauma, and resilience. Inspired by real-life challenges within the Indian judicial system, Janaki V/S State of Kerala stars Suresh Gopi as the sharp and morally complex lawyer David Abel Donovan, and Anupama Parameswaran in the titular role of Janaki.
Set in Kerala, the narrative follows Janaki Vidhyadharan, an IT professional from Bengaluru, whose return home for a festival takes a tragic turn when she becomes a victim of sexual assault. Determined to fight for justice, Janaki soon finds herself in a harrowing legal battle. Her pursuit of truth becomes even more complicated when David Abel Donovan steps in—to defend the accused. What unfolds is an emotionally layered courtroom drama that examines not only Janaki’s trauma but also the ethical ambiguities of the justice system itself.
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Also featuring Divya Pillai, Sruthi Ramachandran, Askar Ali, Madhav Suresh Gopi, and Baiju Santhosh, the film takes a bold stance on legal and moral accountability, exposing the institutional cracks survivors often face. With its multilingual release, ZEE5 Global aims to ensure Janaki’s voice resonates across India and beyond.
Lloyd C Xavier, Business Head – Tamil & Malayalam and Sr. Vice President – Marketing South at ZEE5 Global, stated, “We’re proud to present a story that not only engages viewers with its intensity but also reflects a reality many are hesitant to confront. Collaborating with a passionate filmmaker like Pravin Narayanan and a stellar cast has made this project especially meaningful. By releasing it in five languages, we aim to ensure every Indian—whether in Kochi, Kolkata, or Kanpur—can connect with Janaki’s fight for justice.”
Producer J Phanindra Kumar emphasized the emotional depth of the film: “This isn’t just about a legal battle—it’s about truth and the unyielding strength of a woman who refuses to be silenced. I truly believe Janaki V/S State of Kerala will leave a lasting impact on every viewer.”
Co-producer Sethuraman Nair Kankol echoed the sentiment, adding, “We always knew this was a story that needed to be told with honesty and urgency. Thanks to ZEE5 Global, audiences from every part of India can now engage with Janaki’s journey in their own language.”
Writer-director Pravin Narayanan described the project as a personal mission: “This film was born out of a desire to amplify the voice of survivors and reveal the systemic flaws that hinder justice. It has been a labor of love, and I’m thrilled it will now reach a wider audience through this platform.”
Lead actor Suresh Gopi shared his reflections on playing David Abel Donovan, saying, “Portraying a lawyer fighting on morally ambiguous ground was a challenging yet rewarding experience. This story is not about black-and-white justice—it explores the grey areas. I’m grateful it will now reach homes across India.”
Anupama Parameswaran, who plays Janaki, described the role as one of the most emotionally demanding of her career. “Janaki represents countless unheard voices. I felt an immense responsibility in portraying her strength and vulnerability. I hope viewers feel her pain, courage, and fight, just as I did while playing her.”
Janaki V/S State of Kerala is not just a courtroom drama—it is a statement. One that challenges legal norms, provokes moral introspection, and above all, champions the courage of those who refuse to be silent. Don’t miss the digital premiere of this compelling film, streaming exclusively on ZEE5 Global starting August 15.