Netflix removed Nayanthara's 'Annapoorani' after an FIR was filed against it for hurting religious sentiments.
Netflix Removes Nayanthara’s ‘Annapoorani’ Amid Legal Controversy Over Alleged Religious Insensitivity
Netflix has taken down Nayanthara’s film ‘Annapoorani’ from its platform following accusations by Hindu groups that it is an “anti-Hindu” film. The movie, which hit theaters on December 1 and started streaming on Netflix from December 29, has faced legal trouble and allegations of hurting religious sentiments.
Ramesh Solanki, founder of the Hindu IT cell, filed a complaint claiming that the film “offends Hindu religious sentiments.” The complaint targets actors Nayanthara and Jai, writer-director Nilesh Krishna, producers Jatin Sethi, R Ravindran, and Punit Goenka, Zee Studios Chief Business Officer Shariq Patel, and Netflix India’s head, Monika Shergill.
‘Annapoorani’ received negative reviews from both critics and audiences. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Shriraj Nair also warned Netflix to remove the film, threatening legal consequences and action in the style of @BajrangDalOrg.
In response to the legal battle, Netflix has removed ‘Annapoorani’ from its OTT platform. Zee Studios, one of the film’s producers, communicated to Vishwa Hindu Parishad that the movie would be taken down from the platform until necessary edits are made.
Zee Studios issued the following response:
‘Annapoorani’ revolves around an ambitious woman from a Brahmin family in Srirangam, torn between her passion and conservative ideals. Despite caste and religious differences, the film portrays the protagonist’s determination. The complaint by Ramesh Solanki alleged that the film promotes ‘love jihad,’ though the romantic relationship between Nayanthara’s Annapoorani and Jai’s Farhan is not explored in the storyline.
In one scene, Farhan persuades Annapoorani to consume meat, citing Lord Rama’s example. The climax features Annapoorani wearing a hijab, offering namaz, and preparing biryani in a cooking competition.
‘Annapoorani’ stars Nayanthara, Sathyaraja, Jai, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Karthik Kumar, and Renuka in significant roles.