Row over film Annapoorani: On VHP complaint, Thane police book actor Nayanthara, Netflix, five others

Police have booked eight persons including Nayanthara, Jai, producers R Ravindran, Jatin Shethi, Punit Goenka and Netflix’s head and others.

According to police, the complainant alleged that the filmmaker, without knowing the history of Hindu deities, and without producing any evidence, broadcast objectionable content. The film’s scenes and dialogues have hurt the sentiments of the Hindus and it also promotes and encourages “love jihad”.

“On the complaint of the VHP activist on Thursday night, we have booked the film’s actor Nayanthara and seven others, including the producers and the person concerned of Netflix,” said Vilas Supe, senior inspector of Naya Nagar police station.

Nayanthara and seven others were charged under sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 505 (statements conducting public mischief) read with 34 (common intention) of the IPC. “We have registered a case and are now verifying the allegations. The investigations have begun,” Supe added.

Netflix has on Friday said that, “the film Annapoorani has been removed at the licensor’s request”.