Nayanthara’s recent release, ‘Annapoorani,’ has been removed from Netflix amidst legal controversy and concerns about hurting religious sentiments. The film, originally released in theaters on December 1, faced backlash from Hindu groups, resulting in an FIR and its subsequent removal from the streaming platform after its debut on Netflix on December 29.
The controversy revolves around allegations of offending Hindu religious sentiments, with Ramesh Solanki, founder of the Hindu IT cell, filing a complaint against various individuals associated with the film. 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 the head of Netflix India, Monika Shergill.
Despite a negative reception from both critics and audiences, the film became the center of legal attention due to its alleged insensitivity towards religious sentiments. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson, Shriraj Nair, also voiced concerns and warned Netflix to take down the film.
In response to the legal battle and pressure from Hindu groups, Netflix has removed ‘Annapoorani’ from its OTT platform. Zee Studios, one of the film’s producers, has communicated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad, assuring that the film will remain off the platform until necessary edits are made.
‘Annapoorani’ narrates the story of an ambitious woman from a Brahmin family in Srirangam, torn between her passion and traditional values. The film addresses caste and religious differences but does not promote ‘love jihad,’ as claimed in the complaint by Ramesh Solanki.
The controversy sheds light on the delicate balance filmmakers must strike between creative expression and respecting religious sentiments in diverse societies.
