"Insulted Hinduism" Causes Uproar in India... Netflix Removes the Movie

Indian Film 'Annapurani' Faces Backlash from Hindus
Past Controversy Over Movie Poster Depicting Hindu Deity Smoking

Netflix has decided to remove the Indian film 'Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food' after facing backlash from Hindus.

Indian media reported that the Indian film 'Annapoorani,' which was criticized for "offending Hindu sentiments," was removed from Netflix shortly after its release. The film tells the story of a Hindu Brahmin (India's highest caste) woman who aspires to become a chef, starring Indian actress Nayantara. In the film, Nayantara's character defies her family's religious beliefs by eating meat while learning to cook. However, in reality, certain upper caste groups such as Brahmins are known to abstain from eating meat according to caste rules.

Movie 'Annapurna: Goddess of Food'.
[Image source=ZEE STUDIOS]

Additionally, the film sparked controversy for a scene where it is said that the Hindu god Rama ate meat. Hindus reportedly felt offended by this scene. The film's production company has not issued an official statement regarding the issue. However, hardline Hindu groups have criticized many films and programs in recent years for insulting Hindu religious sentiments.

The film, released on the 1st of last month, received mixed reviews from critics. It was positively noted for portraying a traditional woman pursuing her dreams, but some criticized it as "an unrefined buffet of multiple storylines." The controversy intensified after the film was released on Netflix on the 29th of last month. In particular, last week in Mumbai, India, a man filed a police complaint objecting to several scenes in the film.

Movie Kali Poster. [Image Source=SNS]

This is not the first film to be criticized for insulting Hinduism. In July 2022, film director Rina Manimekalai posted a poster of her new documentary 'Kaali' on Twitter. The poster featured a woman dressed as the Hindu goddess Kaali smoking a cigarette. Kaali is a Hindu deity associated with death and time and is worshiped by many Indians. Upon the poster's release, Hindus strongly protested on social media, claiming that the poster insulted Hinduism and hurt religious sentiments.

Earlier, in 2021, Amazon Prime Video officially apologized to Hindus over scenes in the political drama 'Tandav.' Hindus strongly opposed and filed complaints after the first episode featured a university play on the theme of freedom in which the Hindu god Shiva was caricatured, prompting the platform to issue an apology.