Nayanthara says 'Jai Shri Ram', issues apology for 'Annapoorani'. Full text here

In the wake of the 'Annapoorani' controversy, the film's leading actor Nayanthara has issued a heartfelt apology addressing the unintended hurt caused to religious sentiments. The controversy surrounding the film, which portrayed the journey of a Hindu Brahmin woman aspiring to become a chef, unfolded after its release on Netflix.

Nayanthara's Apology

Late Thursday night, Nayanthara took to her Instagram account, expressing her regret over the controversy. With "Jai Shri Ram" as her opening remark, she acknowledged the unintentional impact of the film on sentiments, stating, "In our sincere attempt to share a positive message, we may have inadvertently caused hurt. We did not expect the removal of a censored film, previously showcased in theatres, from the OTT platform."

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The actress emphasised her strong belief in God and her regular visits to temples across the country, assuring that offending religious sentiments was the last thing she would intentionally do. Nayanthara extended her sincere and heartfelt apologies to those affected, clarifying, "The intention behind 'Annapoorni' was to uplift and inspire, not to cause distress. Over the last two decades, my journey in the film industry has been guided with a singular intention - To spread positivity & foster learning from one another."

'Annapoorani' Controversy Unraveled

The Annapoorani controversy centered around scenes depicting the protagonist, played by Nayanthara, navigating through the challenges posed by her conservative Brahmin family's beliefs. A pivotal moment in the film involves her classmate encouraging her to consume meat, referencing Lord Ram's alleged non-vegetarian preferences.

Former Shiv Sena leader Ramesh Solanki filed a police complaint against the film, accusing it of hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community. The film's removal from Netflix followed the filing of an FIR against Nayanthara and others associated with the movie. The complaints alleged that certain scenes in 'Annapoorani' hurt religious sentiments, making controversial remarks about Lord Ram and purportedly promoting 'love jihad.'

The Aftermath

'Annapoorani,' Nayanthara's 75th movie, aimed to narrate a story of resilience and the spirit of never giving up. The narrative delved into the life of a Hindu Brahmin woman pursuing a career as a chef, supported by her Muslim friend. Themes of religious tolerance were explored, with the woman being allowed to cook meat and the choice of consumption left to her discretion.

The aftermath of the controversy saw the film's removal from the OTT platform, and Nayanthara and her team faced legal consequences in some North Indian states. In response, the movie team issued a public apology, expressing regret for any unintended offence caused.