Nayanthara’s ‘Annapoorani’ pulled down from Netflix after a complaint, Zee Studios apologises

‘Hindu sentiments hurt’

Days after its OTT release, an FIR (First Information Report) was filed against the makers for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.

In his complaint, Ramesh Solanki, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson and former Shiva Sena leader, claimed that Annapoorani “offended the religious sentiments of Hindus”.

The Mumbai Police registered a case based on Ramesh Solanki’s complaint against actors Nayanthara and Jai, writer-director Nilesh Krishna, producers Jatin Sethi, R Ravindran, and Punit Goenka, and Zee Studios Chief Business Officer Shariq Patel, and Netflix India head Monika Shergill.

Ramesh Solanki also shared a copy of his complaint on X. The complaint read: “At a time when the whole world is rejoicing in anticipation of the Pran Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram Mandir, this anti-Hindu film Annapoorani has been released on Netflix, produced by Zee Studios, Naad Sstudios and Trident Arts.”

In the complaint, he also mentioned the scenes that offended him:

• A daughter of a Hindu priest offers Namaz to cook Biryani
• Love Jihad is promoted in this film
• Farhan (actor) persuades the actress to eat meat, saying Bhagwan Shri Ram was also a meat-eater.

I have filed complain against #AntiHinduZee and #AntiHinduNetflix

At a time when the whole world is rejoicing in anticipation of the Pran Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram Mandir, this anti-Hindu film Annapoorani has been released on Netflix, produced by Zee Studios, Naad Sstudios… pic.twitter.com/zM0drX4LMR

— Ramesh Solanki🇮🇳 (@Rajput_Ramesh) January 6, 2024

Apology from makers

The letter of Zee Studios. (Supplied)

Following this, Annapoorani has been removed from Netflix. Also, the makers of the film tendered an apology to the VHP.

Further, Zee Studios issued an apology to the VHP.

The letter, dated 9 January, read that the film would be removed from the OTT platform and the objectionable content would be edited.

“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 apologise for the inconvenience caused and hurt caused to the sentiments of the respective communities. (sic),” the apology letter read.

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