Chennai, India – The film “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food,” directed by Nilesh Krishnaa and starring Nayanthara, was released in theaters on December 1 and began streaming on Netflix on December 29. Shortly after its debut on the platform, the film was taken down following a complaint filed against the makers by Ramesh Solanki.
According to Ramesh, the film was deemed “anti-Hindu.” He stated in a post on social media that the film was released at a time when the world was celebrating the Pran Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram Mandir. Ramesh called for an FIR to be registered against the makers for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
In his complaint, Ramesh specifically mentioned scenes that offended him. He claimed that the film depicted a daughter of a Hindu Poojari offering Namaz to cook Biryani, promoted Love Jihad, and suggested that Bhagwan Shri Ram was a meat eater. The complaint was filed against Nayanthara, Jai, Nilesh Krishna, producers Jatin Sethi, R Ravindran, Punit Goenka, Zee Studios Chief Business Officer Shariq Patel, and head of Netflix India, Monica Shergill.
As a response to the controversy, Netflix removed “Annapoorani” from its platform on January 10. Zee Studios, one of the co-producers, issued an apology to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and assured that the film would be removed until the objectionable content was edited out. The production company stated that they had no intention of hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindu and Brahmin communities and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
“Annapoorani” tells the story of an ambitious woman from a conservative family and town who faces a dilemma between pursuing her passion and adhering to the orthodox ideals she has been taught since childhood. The film stars Nayanthara, Jai, Sathyaraja, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Karthik Kumar, and Renuka in pivotal roles.
In conclusion, “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food” faced controversy and was taken down from Netflix following a complaint that it was “anti-Hindu.” The film’s producers apologized and promised to edit the objectionable content.