MUMBAI - Netflix has pulled an Indian-language film from its platform following social media backlash over its portrayal of a Hindu priest's daughter consuming meat. The film in question, "Annapoorani - The Goddess of Food," a Tamil-language production released in December, faced criticism for depicting a character from a vegetarian Hindu priest's family engaging in meat consumption. Netflix, yet to comment on the removal, has faced opposition from groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a hardline organization linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.

Protesters from VHP gathered outside Netflix's Mumbai office on Wednesday, voicing discontent against the streaming giant and the film. Ramesh Solanki, self-identified as the head of the "Hindu IT Cell," filed a complaint with Mumbai police, highlighting scenes deemed offensive to Hindu sentiments. The movie, set in Tamil Nadu, portrays the priest's daughter participating in a cooking competition where she prepares meat dishes. Solanki accused the film of intentionally hurting Hindu sentiments.

This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney in India, a significant market for digital entertainment. In 2021, Amazon issued a rare apology for scenes in its series "Tandav" that led to court cases and complaints of disrespecting Hindu beliefs. India's streaming market is anticipated to reach $7 billion by 2027, with Netflix and Amazon gaining immense popularity despite recurrent controversies involving religious sentiments.