In the realm of cinematography, the recent cinematic endeavor by the luminary actor Nayanthara, titled ‘Annapoorani,’ has elicited profound attention since its premiere on the esteemed streaming service Netflix. However, the aforementioned cinematic opus has undergone a notable cessation in its availability on the said Over-The-Top (OTT) platform.
Amidst the cinematic tapestry, the most recent opus of the distinguished thespian Nayanthara, christened ‘Annapoorani,’ has caused a palpable commotion since its unveiling on the renowned streaming platform Netflix. However, the aforementioned magnum opus has undergone an abrupt exodus from the Over-The-Top (OTT) domain in the aftermath of vehement reproach from netizens, citing transgressions against religious sensibilities. This perturbation has escalated further with the lodgment of dual grievances against the actor and the creators, alleging the film’s contentious references to Lord Ram and purported endorsement of ‘love jihad.’
The chronicle of ‘Annapoorani’ unfolds as it graced Netflix on December 29, a mere month after its theatrical debut on December 1. Post its Netflix premiere, a maelstrom of disapproval erupted from the virtual populace and various factions, denouncing the makers for purportedly ‘offending religious sentiments,’ branding it as ‘anti-Hindu.’ A clamor arose, urging Netflix to expunge this controversial cinematic piece from its repertoire.
The narrative of the film revolves around Annapoorani, portrayed by Nayanthara, an aspiring culinary virtuoso striving against the constraints imposed by her conservative Brahmin lineage. The struggle against entrenched rituals and paternal beliefs is aided by her classmate Farhan, played by Jai. Annapoorani, breaking free from her comfort zone, embarks on a journey involving non-vegetarianism and culinary competitions.
The fulcrum of objection revolves around two pivotal scenes in the narrative. In the first, Farhan persuades Annapoorani to consume meat, asserting that even Lord Ram partook in such indulgences. The second contentious scene involves Nayanthara’s character donning a hijab and engaging in namaz during a cooking competition, paying homage to Farhan’s mother from whom she gleaned the biryani recipe.
This cinematic discourse has triggered ire, prompting Ramesh Solanki, the founder of Hindu IT Cell, to advocate for the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Nayanthara, director Nilesh Krishnaa, and others, on charges of affronting religious sentiments and endorsing ‘love jihad.’
In a conciliatory gesture, Zee Studios, co-producers of the film, tendered an apology addressed to the Vishva Hindu Parishad, declaring the film’s removal from Netflix pending editorial amendments. The apology underscored an absence of intent to transgress the religious sentiments of the Hindu and Brahmin communities.
While some luminaries, including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Siddharth, and Onir, expressed discontent over the film’s egress from the OTT realm, others decried it as a harbinger of unwarranted censorship, with actor Parvathy Thiruvothu lamenting the establishment of a precarious precedent that stifles creativity. Actor Siddharth, in solidarity, censured Netflix India for capitulating to majority-driven coercion, bemoaning the perceived triumph of fanaticism over artistic expression. Filmmaker Onir, in turn, critiqued the legal action taken against the movie by law enforcement.