Nayanthara's 'Annapoorani' has been taken down from Netflix just 12 days after it started streaming on the platform in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, and Kannada. The decision was made by Netflix in consultation with Zee Studios and Trident Arts.
What prompted the removal of the film? An online Hindu backlash. For the past few days, hundreds of pro-Hindutva social media handles have dissed the movie for allegedly promoting Love Jihad. Nayanthara is a Brahmin woman in this Kollywood film. She makes non-veg food as part of her profession.
In a letter addressed to the Hindu outfit VHP, Zee Studios said that the banner has no intention to hurt the "religious sentiments of Hindus and the Brahmin community". "We would like to hereby apologize for the inconvenience caused and hurt caused to the communities," the letter says.
It is shocking that the film has been removed from a streaming giant even though there is no court order to do the same. Probably, Netflix feels that the social backlash is far more potent than legal strictures.
Also starring Jai, Sathyaraj, Achyuth Kumar, KS Ravikumar, Redin Kingsly, Achyuth Kumar, Kumari Sachu, Renuka, Karthik Kumar and Suresh Chakkaravarthy, the film is directed by Nilesh Krishna.
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