With hashtags like ‘arrest leena manimekalai’ trending and police complaints filed by Hindu community leaders, the poster of the documentary “Kaali” has sparked controversy over the depiction of the goddess.
With hashtags like ‘arrest leena manimekalai’ trending and police complaints filed by Hindu community leaders, the poster of the documentary “Kaali” has sparked controversy over the depiction of the goddess.
Amid criticism for a poster of her documentary “Kaali” showing Devi smoking and holding an LGBTQ flag, filmmaker Leena Manimekalai on Monday said she will continue to use her voice fearlessly as long as she lives.
The poster has taken social media by storm with the hashtag ‘Arrest Leena Manimekalai’ alleging that the filmmaker is hurting religious sentiments and a member of a group named ‘Gau Mahasabha’ saying he has filed a complaint with the Delhi Police. is registered.
In response to complaints received by leaders of the Hindu community in Canada, the Indian High Commission in Canada recently issued a press release urging Canadian authorities to withdraw all inflammatory material regarding “derogatory depictions of Hindu deities”, As seen on the poster. Thin layer.
In response to the attacks, the Toronto-based director hit back, saying he was willing to pay with his life.
Manimekalai wrote in a Twitter post, “I have nothing to lose. As long as I live, I want to be with a voice that speaks my faith without fear. If it costs my life , then it can be given.” Tamil in response to an article on the controversy.
The Madurai-born filmmaker shared the poster of “Kaali” on the microblogging site on Saturday and said that the film is part of the ‘Rhythms of Canada’ section at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
Manimekalai also urged people to watch the film to understand the context behind the poster.
He replied, “The film is about events during Kali’s walk on the streets of downtown Toronto one evening. If they watch the film, they will use the hashtag ‘Love you Leena Manimekalai’ instead of ‘Arrest Leena Manimekalai’.” ” For another article.
‘Gau Mahasabha’ member Ajay Gautam sent a copy of his police complaint against the filmmaker to journalists for allegedly presenting Devi in an “derogatory and objectionable manner”, thereby “hurting the religious sentiments of lakhs of devotees, including the complainant”. arrived”.
A senior police officer of the cyber cell told PTI that they have not received the complaint yet.
Many Twitter users slammed Manimekalai.
Manimekalai, who made his feature directorial debut with 2021’s “Madathi – An Unfair Tale”, is not the first filmmaker to get himself into trouble over religious references.
For example, in 2017, filmmakers Sanal Kumar Sasidharan stokes controversy over the title of his Malayalam film “Sexy Durga”, which explored the religious division in Kerala society. Later the name of the film was changed to “S Durga”.
Last year, Prime Video’s political saga “Orgy” was at the center of trouble For a scene depicting Lord Shiva at a college theater event. Eventually the scene was dropped and The streamer issued an unconditional apology.
“Kaali” is yet to be shown to the Indian audience.