Actress Nayanthara has penned an apologetic letter addressing the recent tumult surrounding her film, ‘Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food’. The actress, known for her versatility on the silver screen, took to the written word to extend her remorse to those affected by the controversy.
Commencing her letter with “ॐ Jai Shri Ram,” Nayanthara delves into the essence of ‘Annapoorani,’ portraying it not merely as a cinematic venture but a genuine pursuit of inspiration and resilience. The film, she explains, sought to reflect life’s journey, emphasizing the triumph over obstacles through sheer willpower. However, in their earnest attempt to convey a positive message, the unintended consequence was the infliction of hurt on certain sentiments.
Expressing surprise and regret over the removal of a censored film, which had previously graced theaters, from the OTT platform, Nayanthara elucidates her team’s lack of intention to cause distress. As a devout believer in God who frequently visits temples across the country, she asserts that intentional offense was the furthest thing from her mind. In a gesture of humility, Nayanthara extends her sincere and heartfelt apologies to those whose feelings may have been inadvertently touched.
What is the controversy?
The controversy surrounding ‘Annapoorani’ erupted following its release on Netflix, prompting activist Ramesh Solanki and the Hindutva organization Vishva Hindu Parishad to file a police complaint against the streaming giant and the filmmakers. Allegations ranged from promoting love jihad to hurting the sentiments of the Brahmin community. Moreover, the complaint contended that the film made inaccurate remarks about the Hindu deity Rama being a meat-eater.
In response to the heated controversy, Netflix made the decision to take down the film worldwide, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Nayanthara, in her letter, underscores that the true intention behind ‘Annapoorni’ was to uplift and inspire, not to cause distress. Drawing upon her two-decade-long journey in the film industry, she emphasizes her consistent commitment to spreading positivity and fostering learning among her audience.