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A recently-released Indian film, "Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food," faced removal from Netflix on Thursday following a backlash from Hindu activists critical of its portrayals of meat consumption and inter-religious romance.
The decision to pull the film from the streaming platform occurred just weeks after its premiere and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by digital entertainment platforms in India when confronted with contentious content.
Despite being the second-most watched Netflix feature in India a day prior to its removal, "Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food" found itself at the center of controversy. The film revolves around the journey of a Hindu priest's daughter who aspires to become the country's top chef, leading her to forsake the strict vegetarianism ingrained in her upbringing. This departure from dietary norms sparked criticism, particularly as many upper-caste Hindus traditionally abstain from consuming meat.
The incident sheds light on the delicate balance that streaming platforms navigate in India, a country marked by diverse cultural and religious sensitivities. The removal of "Annapoorani" underscores the impact of public sentiment and advocacy groups on the content available through digital platforms.
This development also raises questions about creative expression and artistic freedom in India's digital entertainment landscape. As the film's removal sparks discussions around cultural representations and the boundaries of creative expression, it adds to the broader conversation about the responsibility of content creators and platforms in addressing sensitive subjects in a diverse and complex society.
