Netflix Bows, Pulls Out Film, Makers Zee Studios Apologize For Hurting Hindus

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – The Tamil-language film “Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food,” featuring acclaimed actor Nayanthara, has been withdrawn from the Netflix platform following widespread criticism from Hindu groups.

The movie, which hit theaters on December 1 had not met resistance while it was playing in South India. It started streaming on Netflix from December 29, and the Hindi version drew the attention of Hindu groups in other parts of India.

The story is about a girl from a traditional Hindu family aspiring to become India’s top chef and for this she has to learn to cook meat.

Ramesh Solanki, who on his X handle describes himself as an “activist, Founder Hindu IT Cell, Ex Shiv Sena Post Bearer and Proud Hindu Indian Nationalist”, filed complaints against the film. Solanki, in his complaint, expressed discontent with the film’s release during the period leading up to the consecration of the Lord Rama temple in Ayodhya, referring to it as an “anti-Hindu” film produced by Zee Studios, Naad Studios, and Trident Arts.

Specific scenes, such as one depicting Nayanthara’s character, a Hindu priest’s daughter, offering a Muslim prayer while wearing a Muslim headdress, were highlighted in the complaints. Solanki also claimed that the film promotes the controversial concept of “Love jihad,” as Nayanthara’s character is allegedly influenced to consume meat by her Muslim friend Farhan, played by Jai.

Individuals named in the complaints include the film’s director Nilesh Krishnaa, lead actor 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.

Zee Studios, in a letter addressed to the Vishva Hindu Parishad, announced the film’s removal from Netflix until necessary edits are made and issued a formal apology. The letter stated, “We have no intentions as co-producers of the film to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and Brahmins community and would like to hereby apologize for the inconvenience caused and hurt caused to the sentiments of the respective communities.”