Netflix pulls film after cops register FIRs on complaint of saffron outfits

BHOPAL/JABALPUR/MUMBAI: Police in Jabalpur have registered an FIR against actor Nayanthara and makers of Netflix movie "Annapoorani" after Hindu Seva Parishad filed a complaint accusing them of hurting religious sentiments. The film was no longer available on Netflix at the time of going to print on Thursday.

In Mumbai, two separate police complaints were filed by Bajrang Dal and Hindu IT Cell activists against the actor and others associated with the film for remarks about Lord Ram and for allegedly promoting "love jihad". PTI quoted an official as saying a complaint was submitted by Bajrang Dal activists to the Oshiwara police station two days ago, and an inquiry was underway. Another complaint was filed at the Lokmanya Tilak Marg police station by Hindu IT Cell founder Ramesh Solanki who alleged the film demeans Lord Ram and was intentionally released to hurt religious sentiments of Hindus.

In Jabalpur, Omti police station filed a case under IPC Sections 153 (wanton provocation with intent to cause riot) and 34 (common intention) following a complaint from the Jabalpur-based outfit on Wednesday. Apart from Nayanthara, the FIR names Zee Entertainment CEO Punit Goenka, director Neelesh Krishna, producers Jatin Sethi and R Ravindran, Sariq Patel and Monica Shergill of Netflix India.

Hindu Seva Parishad president Atul Jaiswani alleged the film had "inappropriate references" to Lord Ram and promoted "love jihad". In a scene, the daughter of a priest is shown wearing a hijab to cook biryani and is shown offering namaz. Lord Ram is depicted as eating meat after hunting animals during his exile, the complaint says.

Solanki also cited few scenes he claimed hurt religious sentiments, including those cited in the Jabalpur complaint. In another scene, PTI quoted his complaint as saying, Farhaan, the friend of Nayanthara's character, brainwashes her into cutting meat and says Lord Ram and Sita had also consumed meat.