New Delhi: Actor Nayanthara’s latest film ‘Annapoorani’, which has created a stir ever since its release on Netflix, has now been removed from the OTT platform after the backlash it received from the netizens for hurting religious sentiments. Not only this, two separate complaints have been filed against the actor and the makers alleging that the film makes controversial remarks about Lord Ram and also promotes 'love jihad'.
Film’s OTT release and the controversy surrounding it
Annapoorani', directed by Nilesh Krishnaa, was released on Netflix on December 29, within a month of its theatrical release on December 1. After its release on Netflix, netizens and outfits slammed the makers for ‘hurting the religious sentiments’ and called it ‘anti-Hindu’. Many asked Netflix to remove the controversial film from its platform.
The film is about a girl Annapoorani (played by Nayanthara) who dreams of becoming a top chef in the country but as she hails from a conservative Brahmin family, it becomes difficult for her to break the barrier of rituals and beliefs of her father. Her classmate Farhan (played by Jai), helps her in coming out of her comfort zone and she starts eating nonveg. She then competes in a cooking competition.
Objectionable scenes
There are two scenes in the film that have garnered all the attention and have led to the filing of complaints against the film’s team.
The first scene is between Farhaan and Annapoorani where he convinces her to eat meat and says that Lord Ram also consumed meat.
Another scene, that has sparked controversy, is when Nayanthara’s character dons a hijab and offers namaz during the cooking competition. In the final round, she is supposed to cook biryani and as she had learnt the recipe from Farhan’s mother, she pays her a tribute by offering namaz.
In his complaint, Ramesh Solanki, founder of Hindu IT Cell, has demanded that a first information report (FIR) be filed against actor Nayanthara, director Nilesh Krishnaa and others for hurting religious sentiments and promoting 'love jihad'.
Zee Studios apology
Co-producer of the film, Zee Studios, offered an apology in a letter addressed to Vishva Hindu Parishad and stated that the film has been removed from Netflix and will be back after it is edited. The letter also states that the makers have 'no intention to hurt the religious sentiments of The Hindus and Brahmin community.'
Celebs’ reaction
Celebrities like Parvathy Thiruvothu, Siddharth, and Onir have expressed disappointment in the film’s removal from the OTT platform.
"A dangerous precedent being set. Censoring left, right and 'centre' until we won't be allowed to breathe," actor Parvathy Thiruvothu posted on her Instagram stories.
Actor Siddharth also wrote on X, "Fanaticism won, creativity lost. Shame on @NetflixIndia for giving in to majoritarian bullying," the actor posted.
Filmmaker Onir criticised the police case against the movie.
"Where are we headed... Just makes no sense. What a shame," he posted on X.