In the midst of escalating outrage surrounding the Tamil film ‘Annapoorani’ for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community, actress Nayanthara has extended an apology. In a statement shared on her Instagram account on January 18, the actress expressed that she had no intention of causing offence.
Nayanthara commenced her apology with the phrase “Jai Shri Ram” and acknowledged that the filmmakers aimed to convey a “positive message.” However, she conceded that unintended harm may have been caused in the process. (Find the post here)
The actress emphasised the unexpected removal of a film, already cleared by the censor board and screened in theatres, from an OTT platform. Nayanthara clarified that neither she nor her team intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, recognising the gravity of the situation.
As a firm believer in God who frequently visits temples across the country, Nayanthara asserted that intentionally causing hurt to religious sensibilities would be the last thing on her agenda. She extended sincere and heartfelt apologies to those who felt affected by the film.
Towards the conclusion of her apology, Nayanthara stated that ‘Annapoorani’ was intended to “uplift and inspire” rather than cause distress.
Notably, Nayanthara’s apology follows an apology issued by Zee Studios to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments in the film. Zee Studios urged the co-producers, M/s Trident Arts, to address problematic aspects in the film and requested Netflix to remove the movie from its OTT platform until necessary alterations were made. Zee Studios apologised for any offence caused to the Hindu and Brahmin communities.
‘Annapoorani,’ Nayanthara’s 75th film, was released on Netflix on December 28 last year and produced by Trident Arts, Zee Studios, and Naad Studios. However, Netflix de-platformed the movie on January 11.
The film faced severe criticism on social media for alleged anti-Hindu content, with accusations of promoting conversion to Islam, misrepresenting Hindu deity Bhagwan Ram, and offending Hindu religious sentiments. On January 6, former Shiv Sena leader Ramesh Solanki filed a police complaint against the film’s makers, alleging an anti-Hindu nature. The Hindu Seva Parishad also registered an FIR in Madhya Pradesh on January 10 against the film’s makers and actors.
