Netflix removes Indian movie after backlash over meat eating scene

Netflix removed the Indian Tamil movie 'Annapoorani' shortly after its release, amidst increasing backlash from Hindu far-right politicians and their supporters.

A case has been filed against the film for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The movie premiered in theaters on December 1 and began streaming on Netflix from December 29. A week after its release on the OTT platform, it faced significant criticism.

Directed by Nilesh Krishna, the film's storyline centres on a young woman named Annapoorani, portrayed by Indian actress Nayanthara. The actor aspires to become a chef despite facing resistance from her conservative Brahmin family. Nayanthara's character also begins consuming meat,which sparks controversy.

Hindu activist Ramesh Solanki, the founder of Hindu IT Cell, lodged an FIR in Mumbai against various people linked to the film. The named individuals include Nayantara, co-star Jay, director Krishna, producer Zee Studios, and Netflix India head Monica Shergal.

A Hindu nationalist organisation, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), issued a warning to Netflix, urging the removal of the film. According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, the complaint alleges that the film has hurt Indian sentiments.

The film faced further allegations of promoting 'Love Jihad' over objectionable dialogues by the Muslim character ‘Farhan.’

In response to the escalating controversy, Zee Studios, the film's co-producer, sent a letter to the VHP on January 9. The letter informed about temporarily removing the film from the platform for editing in collaboration with Netflix and Trident Arts.

Netflix removed the film from its library on January 11. However, any details regarding the release of an edited version or remake have not been disclosed.