FIR filed against Nayanthara and head of Netflix India over 'Annapoorani’; allegations of religious insensitivity, 'love jihad', and comment on Lord Ram surface

An FIR has been filed against actor Nayanthara, the director, producers, and Netflix India's content head Monika Shergill, following outrage over the film 'Annapoorani.’ The FIR, filed by the Hindu Sewa Parishad in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, alleges that the makers of the film have offended Hindu sentiments, disrespected Lord Ram, and promoted 'love jihad' in the movie. After facing backlash and police complaints, the movie, released in theaters on December 1, has been removed from Netflix. Complaints have also been filed in Mumbai by right-wing groups Bajrang Dal and Hindu IT Cell against Nayanthara and others.

The Hindu Sewa Parishad lodged the FIR at Omti police station, naming seven individuals as accused, including Nayanthara, director Nilesh Krishnaa, producers Jatin Sethi and R Ravindran, along with Monika Shergill, who serves as Netflix India's content head.

According to the FIR, the Hindu Sewa Parishad has alleged that the move 'Annapoorani' has hurt Hindu religious sentiments, disparaged the Sanatana Dharma, and made unwelcoming remarks about Lord Ram.

The complaint has highlighted scenes from the movie, such as depicting Nayanthara, playing the daughter of a temple priest, offering namaz in a hijab before preparing biryani. The FIR also alleges that another segment portrays Nayanthara's character being influenced to cut meat, with the claim that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita also consumed meat. It has also claimed that the film promotes 'love jihad,' a term used by certain right-wing groups to assert the alleged conversion of Hindu girls and women by Muslim men.

It is important to note that the ‘Annapoorani’ controversy has arisen just days before the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a fact highlighted by some of the complainants. Numerous individuals on social media have supported the allegations made by the complainants and have demanded action against the creators of the film. The film that was released in theaters on December 1, subsequently released on OTT platform Netflix has now been taken down following the backlash.