In a recent turn of events, actor Nayantharas film Annapoorani - The Goddess of Food has become embroiled in a controversy, resulting in an FIR against Nayanthara, film director Nilesh Krishnaa, films producer and Netflixs India content head. The FIR has been filed by a right-wing outfit in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It states that the film hurts religious sentiments of Hindus and disrespect Lord Ram. Also, the film allegedly promotes love jihad, as per the FIR. What is Annapurni controversy all about The content of Annapoorani stands as the alleged culprit. The film, released in December on Netflix and Zee platforms, is facing criticism for its depiction of a Hindu temple priests daughter eating meat and participating in a cooking contest. The contentious scenes allegedly include a portrayal of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman consuming non-vegetarian food, leading to accusations of insulting Hindu dharma.The controversy took a legal turn with an FIR filed against Nayanthara, director Nilesh Krishnaa, and others. The complaint, filed by Hindu IT Cell founder Ramesh Solanki, accuses them of hurting religious sentiments, leading to the removal of Annapoorani from Netflix.Strong message by our Founder-President Shri @Rajput_Ramesh to all those spreading #AntiHindu messaging across the country - Sudhar jao, varna sudhar denge, legally.#Annapoorani pic.twitter.com/GQzVGr9ggt— Hindu IT Cell (@HinduITCell) January 11, 2024It alludes to specific sequences in the film, such as the one in which Nayanthara, who plays a temple priests daughter, performs namaz while donning a headscarf before preparing biryani. Additionally, it says that in one scene, Nayantharas character is brainwashed into chopping meat by a friend who claims that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita also consumed meat when they were observing vanvas in the jungles.Additionally, it has been claimed that the film encourages love jihad, a phrase used by some right-wing organisations to claim that Muslim men have attempted to convert Hindu girls and women.The people named in the complaint are the films director, debutant Nilesh Krishnaa 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.Vishva Hindu Parishads StandVishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) actively objected to the films content, highlighting specific scenes that they found objectionable. Slogans were raised against Netflix at the companys Mumbai office, showcasing the extent of discontent among certain sections of society.Legal RamificationsThe FIR, filed under sections 153-A and 34, alleges the accused of promoting enmity among groups on the grounds of religion. Similar complaints have been lodged in Mumbai by right-wing outfits, adding a legal dimension to the controversy.Controversy creating furore around Ram Temple inauguration Some of the complainants have also brought up the fact that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set to be consecrated in a few days, coinciding with the dispute. Many others on social media have endorsed the complaints made by the complainants and demanded that the films producers be held accountable.Streaming platforms under fire for hurting religious sensitivities Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon and Zee have often faced backlash for content that offends religious sentiments. In 2021, Amazon too had to issue an apology for some scenes in its series Tandav. This recent incident just adds to the ongoing debate about the responsibility of such platforms in ensuring content does not hurt religious feelings.Nayanthara on radarNayanthara, a superstar in the Tamil film industry, was recently seen in Atlee directed film Jawan, which also featured Shah Rukh Khan. Jawan turned out to be a blockbuster and established Nayanthara as a quintessential heroine in Bollywood too. It should be mentioned that Annapurni is her 75th film.
