In a turn of events, Nayanthara’s 75th film, “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food,” has found itself mired in controversy, leading to an FIR against the actress and the film’s team. The allegations include promoting Love Jihad and a scene deemed offensive to religious sentiments.
The movie, which had its digital premiere on Netflix, faced negative reviews and a formal complaint lodged at a Mumbai police station. The Hindu IT Cell raised concerns about the film’s content, specifically pointing out a scene where actor Jai purportedly makes statements that insult Lord Ram, claiming he was a meat eater.
“Annapoorani,” directed by Nilesh Krishnaa and featuring Nayanthara, Jai, and Sathyaraj in lead roles, was released in theaters on December 1, 2023, and reportedly garnered a lackluster reception with a box office collection of Rs 5 crore.
The complaint contends that the film misrepresents Valmiki’s Ramayana and undermines the revered figure of Lord Ram. Additionally, it accuses the film of promoting Love Jihad, a controversial term referring to an alleged campaign to convert non-Muslim women to Islam through marriage.
The plot revolves around a young woman aspiring to be a chef, facing challenges due to her Hindu background. Notably, a scene depicting her performing Namaz while wearing a scarf in a cooking competition has sparked particular controversy.
As the legal process unfolds, Nayanthara and the film’s team find themselves entangled in a heated debate surrounding artistic expression, religious sentiments, and the portrayal of cultural narratives in cinema.
