Chennai, India – Nayanthara, the popular Indian actor, has issued a statement apologizing for her film “Annapoorani” being removed from Netflix after just one day of streaming. The film, which was released in theaters on December 1, faced backlash for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Nayanthara came forward to clarify her intentions and express her regret.
In her statement, Nayanthara began by saying, “Jai Shri Ram,” an invocation of the Hindu deity Lord Rama. She acknowledged that while the film was meant to share a positive message, it may have unintentionally caused hurt. She also expressed surprise at the removal of the film from the OTT platform, considering it had already been censored and showcased in theaters.
The controversy surrounding “Annapoorani” started when an FIR was filed in South Mumbai by Ramesh Solanki, alleging that the film demeaned Lord Ram and deliberately aimed to hurt the sentiments of Hindus. In response, Zee Studios, the production company behind the film, issued an apology to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and announced that the film would be removed from the platform until the objectionable content was edited out.
Nayanthara further clarified in her statement, “The intention behind Annapoorani was to uplift and inspire, not to cause distress.” She emphasized her belief in God and her frequent visits to temples, stating that intentionally hurting anyone’s sentiments was the last thing she would do. She extended her sincere and heartfelt apologies to those who felt offended by the film.
“Annapoorani” revolves around the story of an ambitious woman from a conservative family and town, torn between pursuing her passion and adhering to orthodox ideals. Nayanthara plays the lead role in the film, which also features actors such as Sathyaraja, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Karthik Kumar, and Renuka. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Naad Sstudios, and Trident Arts.
Nayanthara, known for her extensive career in the film industry, expressed her journey’s guiding principle as spreading positivity and fostering learning from one another. She emphasized that her intentions were always focused on delivering uplifting and inspiring content.
Apologies and clarifications aside, Nayanthara’s statement reflects a response to the increasing scrutiny faced by filmmakers and artists when their work is deemed offensive to certain religious or cultural sensibilities. The incident highlights the ongoing debate between creative freedom and the need for responsible storytelling in a diverse society.
While the removal of “Annapoorani” from Netflix is a setback, it remains to be seen whether the film will be edited and re-released to meet the expectations of its audience. In the meantime, Nayanthara’s statement serves as a reminder to reaffirm her commitment to promoting positivity and understanding through her work.