PTC Web Desk: Amidst growing public outcry surrounding film ‘Annapoorani’, a legal action has been initiated against actor Nayanthara, the film’s director, producers, and Netflix India’s content head. An FIR has been filed by a right-wing group in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, alleging that the accused have offended Hindu religious sentiments, disrespected Lord Ram, and promoted ‘love jihad’ through the movie.
The FIR, registered at the Omti police station, Jabalpur, lists seven persons as accused, including Nayanthara, director Nilesh Krishnaa, producers Jatin Sethi and R Ravindran, and Netflix India’s content head Monika Shergill.
After its theatrical release on December 1, ‘Annapoorani’ film subsequently became available on Netflix from December 29. However, due to widespread criticism and multiple police complaints, the movie has now been removed from the OTT platform. Responding to the backlash, right-wing groups, namely Bajrang Dal and Hindu IT Cell, have filed two complaints against actor Nayanthara and others in Mumbai.
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In Jabalpur, the case initiated by Atul Jeswani, the founder and president of Hindu Sewa Parishad, has been filed under relevant sections of the IPC that deal with fostering animosity among religious groups and acting with a shared intent.
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Accusations in FIR Against ‘Annapoorani’
The Hindu Sewa Parishad, in their FIR, claims that ‘Annapoorani’ has offended Hindu religious sentiments, disrespected Sanatana Dharma, and made unwarranted comments against Lord Ram.
The FIR points to specific scenes, including one where Nayanthara, portraying the temple priest’s daughter, is depicted offering namaz in a hijab before preparing biryani. Additionally, it alleges that another segment suggests the character is influenced to cut meat, asserting that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita also consumed meat.
Founder Atul Jeswani further contends that the movie promotes ‘love jihad,’ a term used by certain right-wing groups to imply the alleged conversion of Hindu women by Muslim men.
