Actress Nayanthara has offered a heartfelt apology for allegedly abusing Lord Ram and advocating ‘love jihad’ in her film ‘Annapoorani: Goddess of Food’, recognizing and expressing grief for unintentionally hurting Hindu emotions. The uproar erupted after the picture, which was first shown in theaters on December 1, began streaming on Netflix on December 29.
In a detailed Instagram post, Nayanthara clarified that ‘Annapoorani’ was crafted not merely as a cinematic venture but as an earnest attempt to inspire resilience and the spirit of perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. The actor stated that the film aimed to convey a positive message, intending to mirror life’s journey and the ability to overcome obstacles through sheer willpower.
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Expressing surprise at the removal of a previously censored film from the OTT platform, Nayanthara and her team emphasized that their intention was never to hurt anyone’s sentiments. The actor, known for her belief in God and frequent visits to temples across the country, asserted that causing intentional distress was the last thing on her mind. She extended sincere and heartfelt apologies to those whose feelings may have been touched by the unintentional impact of the film.
‘Annapoorani’ faced backlash, leading to police complaints and its subsequent removal from the OTT platform. Complaints cited specific scenes, including one where Nayanthara, playing the daughter of a temple priest, offers namaz in a hijab before making biryani. Another segment allegedly portrayed a friend brainwashing the character into cutting meat, claiming that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita also consumed meat.
The controversy coincides with the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, adding a sensitive layer to the unfolding events. Social media has witnessed support for the complainants, calling for actions against the film’s makers. Nayanthara’s apology seeks to address concerns and reaffirm her commitment to spreading positivity in her two-decade-long journey in the film industry.