~ Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran lead this powerful legal drama inspired by real-world challenges—streaming August 15 onwards in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam ~
Global, August 05th, 2025: This Independence Day, ZEE5 Global, the world’s leading streaming platform for South Asian content, brings you a story that dares to question the system and gives voice to the silenced. Premiering exclusively on August 15 on ZEE5 Global, and available across 190+ countries, Janaki V/S State of Kerala is a Malayalam courtroom drama written and directed by Pravin Narayanan and produced by J Phanindra Kumar with Sethuraman Nair Kankol as co-producer.
With Suresh Gopi in a riveting role as the morally complex lawyer David Abel Donovan, and Anupama Parameswaran in the titular role of Janaki, the film follows the emotional and legal journey of a young woman fighting to reclaim her agency after surviving a brutal sexual assault.
Also starring Divya Pillai, Sruthi Ramachandran, Askar Ali, Madhav Suresh Gopi, and Baiju Santhosh, the film explores systemic flaws, moral ambiguity, and the political undercurrents that often shape justice in real life. Premiering in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, Janaki V/S State of Kerala promises a bold, unflinching story that will spark debate and touch hearts in equal measure.
Set against the backdrop of Kerala’s judicial system, the story follows Janaki Vidhyadharan (Anupama Parameswaran), an IT professional from Bengaluru, whose festive visit to her hometown turns into a nightmare after she becomes a victim of sexual assault. Determined to seek justice, she finds herself entangled in a complex legal battle when David Abel Donovan (Suresh Gopi), a sharp and composed lawyer, steps in to defend the accused.
Caught between legal arguments and the weight of lived trauma, Janaki’s fight exposes the profound moral and ethical dilemmas of the Indian judicial system. In a world where the law is meant to protect, the lines between right and wrong blur, leaving one question: What really happened to Janaki, and what does justice truly mean?
ZEE5’s Business Head – Tamil & Malayalam and Sr. Vice President – Marketing South, Lloyd C Xavier shared, “We’re proud to present Janaki V/S State of Kerala to our audiences this Independence Day, a film that stands out not just for its powerful subject but for the sincerity with which it has been made. Collaborating with a passionate filmmaker like Pravin Narayanan, and a stellar cast led by Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran, has been an enriching experience. This is a tightly crafted courtroom drama that doesn’t just entertain—it provokes thought, challenges norms, and reflects the realities many hesitate to confront.
What excites us most is that this story, rooted in Kerala, will now speak to the entire nation. With its release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, we’re ensuring that every viewer—whether in Kochi, Kolkata, or Kanpur—can access and connect with Janaki’s fight for justice. At ZEE5 Global, we believe in the power of stories that travel, unite, and resonate, and Janaki V/S State of Kerala is exactly that kind of film.”
Producer, J Phanindra Kumar said, “Producing Janaki V/S State of Kerala has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. This story is not just about a legal battle—it’s about truth, courage, and the quiet strength of a woman who refuses to be silenced. Our collaboration with ZEE5 Global has made it possible for this powerful narrative to reach audiences across India, in their own languages. It’s a film that doesn’t just entertain, it compels you to reflect, and I truly believe it will leave a lasting impact.”
Co-producer, Sethuraman Nair Kankol added, “From the very beginning, we knew Janaki V/S State of Kerala was a story that needed to be told—with honesty, empathy, and urgency. Working alongside an incredible creative team and now partnering with ZEE5 Global has been incredibly rewarding. What makes this release special is that audiences from every corner of India, North to South, can now engage with Janaki’s journey in their own language. This film carries a message that goes beyond borders, and we’re proud to be part of bringing it to light.”
Writer & Director Pravin Narayanan said, “From the first draft to the final shoot, Janaki V vs State of Kerala was a labour of love, driven by a vision to amplify a survivor’s voice and shine a spotlight on the cracks in our system.
Getting to work with a phenomenal team, Suresh Gopi, Anupama Parameswaran, Shruthi Ramachandran and others, brought the story to life in ways I could only hope for. Our collaboration with ZEE5 Global means this story of courage, integrity and resilience can now reach viewers at their fingertips, an opportunity that gives every filmmaker immense joy. I’m excited for audiences everywhere to watch it this Independence Day and feel the film’s pulse as strongly as we did during its making.”
Suresh Gopi shared, “The response to Janaki V v/s State of Kerala in theatres has been overwhelmingly emotional, it’s clear that the audience has embraced this story with warmth. I am deeply grateful for the trust they’ve placed in our storytelling, and now I can’t wait for the world to experience it on ZEE5 Global.
This move to digital means Janaki’s voice, her fight, her pain, and her courage, will finally reach homes across India.” He further added, “David Abel Donovan’s character was born from a need to showcase integrity and moral complexity in today’s world of legal dramas. Standing in court fighting for justice on behalf of a survivor was a role that challenged me yet grounded me. I hope viewers feel connected to the film’s soul when it streams, and that they, too, let Janaki speak.
Anupama Parameswaran shares ,“Portraying Janaki has been one of the most emotionally demanding and rewarding journeys of my career. She’s a symbol of countless unheard voices, and I felt an immense responsibility in bringing her story to life with honesty and empathy.
The love and support we received during the theatrical release was overwhelming, and now, I’m incredibly excited that audiences across the country will get to experience Janaki V/S State of Kerala on ZEE5 Global. It’s a story that speaks to the soul—about strength, resilience, and standing up even when the world tries to silence you. I hope Janaki’s courage inspires everyone who watches.”
Don’t miss the powerful digital premiere of Janaki V/S State of Kerala—streaming this Independence Day, August 15, only on ZEE5 Global.
