The poster of a documentary named ‘Kaali’, which depicts the Hindu goddess, apparently Kali, smoking and carrying an LGBTQ flag, has provoked a massive backlash on social media.
Leena Manimekalai, a filmmaker based in Toronto, has come under criticism from a number of users for allegedly offending their religious feelings.
On Saturday, Manimekalai posted the movie’s poster on the microblogging website and mentioned that the movie was a part of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto’s “Rhythms of Canada” segment. The Indian High Commission in Canada has released a statement in reaction to the attacks calling on law enforcement to intervene and the film festival to “withdraw all such provocative material.”
“We have received complaints from leaders of the Hindu community in Canada about the disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods on the poster of a film showcased as part of the ‘Under the Tent’ project at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto. Our Consulate General in Toronto has conveyed these concerns to the organisers of the event,” the statement reads.
“We are also informed that several Hindu groups have approached authorities in Canada to take action. We urge the Canadian authorities and the event organisers to withdraw all such provocative material.”
Leena Manimekalai responded earlier today by stating that she would be willing to pay with her life. “I have nothing to lose. Till the time I live, I wish to live with a voice that speaks what I believe without fear. If the price for that is my life, it can be given,” the filmmaker posted on Twitter in Tamil.
“எனக்கு இழப்பதற்கு ஒன்றுமில்லை. இருக்கும் வரை எதற்கும் அஞ்சாமல் நம்புவதைப் பேசும் குரலோடு இருந்துவிட விரும்புகிறேன். அதற்கு விலை என் உயிர் தான் என்றால் தரலாம்” https://t.co/fEU3sWY4HK
— Leena Manimekalai (@LeenaManimekali) July 4, 2022
Manimekalai also urged people to see the movie in order to comprehend the significance of the poster. “The film is about the events during Kaali’s strolls through the streets of Toronto city one fine evening. If they watch the movie, they will put the hashtag ‘love you Leena Manimekalai’ rather than ‘Arrest Leena Manimekalai’,” she added in reply to another article.