Nayanthara’s ‘Annapoorani’ removed from Netflix amidst legal controversy and religious sentiment concerns
Nayanthara's 'Annapoorani' removed from Netflix amidst legal controversy and religious sentiment concerns
Netflix takes down Nayanthara’s ‘Annapoorani’ following legal issues over alleged religious sentiments that hurt many. The film faced backlash from Hindu groups, resulting in an FIR and its subsequent removal from the streaming platform. Originally released in theatres on December 1, the controversy arose after it started streaming on Netflix on December 29.
Ramesh Solanki, founder of the Hindu IT cell, in his complaint, claimed that the film is ‘offending Hindu religious sentiments’. The complaint was filed against actors Nayanthara, 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.
‘Annapoorani’ opened to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is directed by debutant filmmaker, Nilesh Krishnaa. Apart from Ramesh Solanki, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson, Shriraj Nair, had also warned Netflix to take down the film.
Following the legal battle, Netflix has removed Nayanthara’s ‘Annapoorani’ from the OTT platform. Zee Studios, one of the producers of the film, has written to Vishwa Hindu Parishad stating that the film will be removed from the platform until edited.
Annapoorani’ is about an ambitious woman hailing from a Brahmin family living in the conservative town of Srirangam. She is torn between her passion and the orthodox ideals that she has been taught since her childhood. In the film, she does not let her caste and religious differences stop her.
The complaint filed by Ramesh Solanki mentioned that the film was promoting ‘love jihad’. However, Nayanthara’s Annapoorani and Jai’s Farhan share a friendly relationship. Their romantic relationship is not explored in the film.
Annapoorani features Nayanthara, Sathyaraja, Jai, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Karthik Kumar and Renuka in pivotal roles.
