In a country like India, which houses various religious groups and a diverse population, inevitably, one segment of the religious community might sometimes feel harmed by the actions and intentions of another.
Nayanthara wrote an apology note titled 'Jai Shri Ram' on her Instagram handle on 18 January 2024.
A recent incident has surfaced where the Tamil language movie "Annapoorani - The Goddess of Food", featuring Nayanthara, received severe criticism for allegedly offending the religious sentiments of Hindus. Accusations were raised, claiming that the film disrespects Lord Ram and was deliberately released with the intent of causing harm to the religious feelings of Hindus.
Actress Nayanthara, who portrays the main character in the film, director Nilesh Krishnaa, and other associated individuals have been subject to an FIR (First Information Report) for purportedly offending Hindu sentiments, showing disrespect to Lord Ram, and allegedly promoting 'love jihad' through the movie. The complaint was lodged by Ramesh Solanki, the founder of the Hindu IT Cell, against the creators of Annapoorani.
The film stirred controversy with scenes that provoked and outraged followers of Lord Ram. Nayanthara, in her role as a temple priest's daughter, faced a moment where her character was influenced to cut meat, with the friend suggesting that even Lord Ram and Goddess Sita consumed it. Another scene depicted Nayanthara's Hindu character offering Namaz in a hijab before preparing biryani, further adding to the contentious elements in the movie.
Netflix swiftly distanced itself from the controversy by promptly removing the movie from its platform where it was released. Subsequently, Zee Studios, one of the producers, issued an apology to Vishwa Hindu Parishad and announced the temporary removal of the film from the platform. They mentioned that the content deemed objectionable would be edited before the movie's re-release.
Some individuals filing complaints have highlighted that the controversy ‘coincidentally’ surfaced just days before the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
In a subsequent development, Nayanthara publicly apologized, emphasizing that the film's purpose was to inspire rather than cause distress. She extended apologies on behalf of her entire team and clarified her deep devotion to God, asserting that she would never intentionally engage in such actions.
