Mumbai: Netflix has taken down Nayanthara’s film ‘Annapoorani’ from its platform following allegations by Hindu groups that deem it an “anti-Hindu” movie. The film faced criticism a week after it began streaming on Netflix, and a case has been filed against it for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. ‘Annapoorani,’ which opened in theaters on December 1, started streaming on Netflix from December 29.
Ramesh Solanki, founder of the Hindu IT cell, filed a complaint stating that the film “offends Hindu religious sentiments.” The complaint targets actors Nayanthara and Jai, writer-director Nilesh Krishna, producers Jatin Sethi, R Ravindran, and Punit Goenka, Zee Studios Chief Business Officer Shariq Patel, and Netflix India’s head Monika Shergill.
‘Annapoorani’ received negative reviews from both critics and audiences. Ramesh Solanki and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Shriraj Nair criticized the film, with Nair warning Netflix to remove it to avoid legal consequences and actions from organizations like Bajrang Dal.
He took to X to share a clipping from the film and wrote, “We are strictly warning you @NetflixIndia to immediately withdraw this evil movie of yours or else be ready to face legal consequences and @BajrangDalOrg style action. @ZeeStudios_ (sic).”
We are strictly warning you @NetflixIndia to immediately withdraw this evil movie of yours or else be ready to face legal consequences and @BajrangDalOrg style action.@ZeeStudios_ pic.twitter.com/AVX9h4jHQ6
— Shriraj Nair (@snshriraj) January 9, 2024
Following legal actions, Netflix has removed ‘Annapoorani’ from its platform. Zee Studios, one of the film’s producers, informed Vishwa Hindu Parishad that the film would be taken down until edited.
Here’s the response from Zee Studios:
The film narrates the story of an ambitious woman from a Brahmin family in Srirangam, torn between her passion and conservative upbringing. Despite caste and religious differences, the protagonist doesn’t let these factors hinder her progress.
Ramesh Solanki’s complaint suggested that the film promoted ‘love jihad,’ although the romantic relationship between Nayanthara’s Annapoorani and Jai’s Farhan is not explored in the movie.
In one scene, Farhan convinces the heroine to consume meat, citing Lord Rama’s example. The climax features Annapoorani wearing a hijab, offering namaz, and preparing biryani in a cooking competition.
‘Annapoorani’ stars Nayanthara, Sathyaraja, Jai, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Karthik Kumar, and Renuka in key roles.