(Web Desk) – The Hindutva groups have forced Netflix and co-producer Zee Studio to remove Tamil movie ‘Annapoorani’ from their platforms.
An FIR has also been filed against the actors and producers over some scenes including cooking of biryani and offering of Namaz (Muslim prayers).
A scene depicts Nayanthara’s character, Annapoorani, wearing hijab and offering Namaz (prayers) before preparing biryani in the final round of a cooking competition.
In a letter to Hindutva Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, Zee Entertainment Enterprise, co-producer of the movie, said that they have taken action on their complaint and asked Netflix to remove the movie immediately.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, an FIR was lodged against the actors and makers of the movie alleging that the movie promotes ‘Love Jihad’ and hurts religious sentiment.
The film, which initially hit theaters on December 1, made its digital debut on Netflix on December 29.
However, within days of its online premiere, the controversy reached a tipping point, culminating in the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the movie.
The complaint, spearheaded by Ramesh Solanki, the founder of the Hindu IT cell, alleged that the film was guilty of “offending Hindu religious sentiments” and promoting what Solanki termed as ‘love jihad.’
In response to the mounting backlash, Netflix has taken the significant step of removing ‘Annapoorani’ from its streaming library.
The crux of the complaint revolves around a specific scene in the film, where Jai’s character, Farhan, persuades the protagonist to consume meat by citing that even Lord Rama partook in it.
This particular sequence has triggered vehement objections, and the ensuing uproar has led to accusations of the film endorsing ‘love jihad.’
In response to these allegations, Zee Studios and Netflix have decided to take a collaborative stand by temporarily removing the film from the streaming platform, vowing to address the contentious elements through necessary edits.
As the controversy rages on, the fate of ‘Annapoorani’ remains uncertain, with stakeholders navigating the delicate balance between artistic expression and religious sensitivities.