Nayanthara says 'Jai Shri Ram' apologising for Annapoorani controversy

In a long Instagram post, which begins with Jai Shri Ram, Nayanthara clarified she had no intention to disrespect God days after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against her.

She says, "In our sincere attempt to share a positive message, we may have inadvertently caused hurt. We did not expect the removal of a censored film, previously showcases in theatres, from the OTT platform.

"My team and I never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments and we understand that the gravity of this issue."

"Being someone who wholeheartedly believes in God and frequently visits temples across the country, it is the last thing I would intentionally do. To those whole feelings we've touched, I extend my sincere & heartfelt apologies," she added.

The makers had taken down the film from Netflix following backlash and several police complaints including one against Nayanthara were filed.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), filed by a right-wing outfit in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, the film allegedly hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, disrespected Lord Ram, and promoted 'love jihad' through the movie.

The complaints point to certain scenes in the movie, including one where Nayanthara, who plays the daughter of a temple priest, offers namaz wearing a hijab before making biryani.

It also claims that, in one segment, a friend of the character played by Nayanthara "brainwashes" her into cutting meat, "claiming that Lord Ram and Goddess Sita also consumed meat".

The controversy comes at a time when the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is just days away, and some of the complainants have also pointed to this.

Reactions to Nayanthara's apology

Nayanthara's apology has triggered sharp responses from her fans who are not happy with it and also saying Jai Shri Ram, which is chanted by the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a political slogan.

One Hereena Fernandez says, "W**!!!!!! Show some guts Why did you write Jai Sriram in the apology letter!"

Another user writes, "This what sangis does to indian art !"

"Unwanted Apologies," writes one Kishore Kumar.