Acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran has opened up about the controversy surrounding Nayanthara's latest release Annapoorani. The film, which was released on Netflix after its theatrical run, was taken down by the OTT platform after it faced backlash from a few Hindu outfits. The OTT platform had said that the film was removed at 'licensor's request'. Now, the Tamil director said that the decision would undermine the authority of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Speaking to the media in Chennai, the director was asked about Annapoorani's removal from the OTT platform, and the director said, "There is no absolute freedom for directors in India without getting censored. This applies to OTT platforms too. Taking a film down due to external pressure will endanger the entire film industry." He added, "Only CBFC has the power to allow or stop a film. Such actions will only undermine the power of CBFC." Earlier, Malayalam actor Parvathy protested the removal of Annapoorani from Netflix. On her Instagram Story, she wrote, "A dangerous precedent being set. Censoring left right and ‘center’ until we won’t be allowed to breathe.” Annapoorani, directed by Nilesh Krishna, faced backlash from Hindu outfits like Vishwa Hindu Parishad who objected to a scene that stated that Lord Ram consumed meat. Ramesh Solanki, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) member, filed an FIR against Nayanthara, actor Jai, the director Nilesh Krishna, the film's producers Jatin Sethi, R Ravindran, and Punit Goenka. He also included Zee Studios Chief Business Officer Shariq Patel and Netflix India head Monika Shergill in the complaint. Later, Zee Studios issued a formal apology letter to VHP and said that the company didn't mean to hurt the sentiments of Hindus. It also claimed that the film will be re-edited, and a new version, without the scenes that were objected to, will be released. Starring Nayanthara in the titular role, Annapoorani is about a Brahmin girl from an orthodox family turning into a popular chef. While chasing her ambition, she ends up eating meat, which allegedly led to the controversy. The film was also accused of promoting love jihad as Annapoorani's school friend in the movie is a Muslim man named Irfan (played by Jai).
