(Daily Point) — Netflix has decided to remove the Tamil-language film “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food” from its streaming service following protests from Hindu right-wing groups, as reported by BBC News.
The film, featuring actor Nayanthara, revolves around a Hindu Brahmin woman aspiring to become a chef named Annapoorani, who challenges her family’s religious beliefs by consuming meat and learning to cook it.
The removal of the film was attributed to the “licensor’s request,” according to the American subscription video on-demand streaming service. The portrayal of the lead character and certain scenes, including one where she offers namaz before cooking biryani, led to protests by Hindu organizations. Additionally, objections were raised against a scene where a Muslim character mentions that the Hindu god Ram consumed meat, causing further controversy.
Given the backlash, a police case has been filed in Madhya Pradesh state against Nayanthara and two others associated with the film. This incident is not isolated, as several hard-line Hindu groups have previously accused movies and shows of insulting religious sentiments. In a similar vein, the cast and crew of a Saif Ali Khan-starrer show, “Tandav,” issued apologies in 2021 after facing accusations of mocking Hindu gods.
“Annapoorani” initially premiered in theaters on December 1, receiving mixed reviews from critics. However, the controversy escalated when the film became available on Netflix starting December 29. The removal of the film highlights the ongoing challenges faced by filmmakers and streaming platforms in navigating cultural and religious sensitivities.