In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated Tamil-language film “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food,” starring the acclaimed Nayanthara, has been temporarily removed from Netflix following a series of complaints from Hindu groups. The film, which centers around a girl from a traditional Hindu family aspiring to become India’s top chef, faced backlash for allegedly offending Hindu religious sentiments.
Annapoorani Movie Theatrical Release
Initially released in theaters on December 1, the film made its streaming debut on Netflix on December 29. However, it quickly drew the attention of Hindu groups across India, leading to police complaints and calls for its removal.
Mumbai’s Bajrang Daland Ramesh Solanki Filled Complaint Against Annapoorani Movie
In Mumbai, members of the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu activist group, lodged a formal complaint, joined by Ramesh Solanki, an activist and self-proclaimed founder of the Hindu IT Cell. Solanki, expressing his concern on Instagram, highlighted specific scenes in the film, including one where Nayanthara(Annapoorani), portraying a Hindu priest’s daughter, participates in a Muslim prayer wearing a Muslim headdress. The complaint also raised objections to the portrayal of “Love jihad” and the suggestion that Hindu deities consume meat.
The notable names listed in the complaint include the film’s director Nilesh Krishnaa, lead actor Nayanthara, producers Jatin Sethi and R. Ravindran, Zee Entertainment Enterprises CEO Punit Goenka, Zee Studios chief business officer Shariq Patel, and Netflix India chief Monika Shergill.
Adding to the chorus of complaints, the Hindu Seva Parishad in Jabalpur also filed a formal objection against the film.
Responding swiftly to the uproar, Zee Studios, in a letter addressed to the Hindu nationalist organization Vishva Hindu Parishad, announced the film’s removal from Netflix until necessary edits are made. The letter also contained a heartfelt apology, expressing no intention to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and Brahmins. Zee Studios acknowledged the inconvenience and hurt caused to the respective communities and promised corrective action.
Solanki’s Reaction on Annapoorani Movie
Ramesh Solanki, celebrating the decision, shared the Zee Studios letter on social media, hailing it as a “Huge win for Hindu Ekta [unity].” He expressed gratitude to India’s information and broadcasting minister, Anurag Thakur, and all Hindus worldwide for standing together against what he deemed an “anti-Hindu” movie.
As the story continues to unravel, Variety reached out to Netflix and Zee Studios to get the inside scoop. Keep an eye out for more updates as we dive deeper into this unfolding narrative!