Tandav Controversy: FIR Registered In Lucknow Against Makers Of Web-Series For Allegedly Hurting Religious Sentiments

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Amazon Prime's India head of original content Aparna Purohit, 'Tandav' Web Series Director Ali Abbas Jafar, Producer Himanshu Krishna Mehra and Writer Gaurav Solanki and others at Hazratganj Kotwali in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) for allegedly depicting Hindu gods in a bad light in the web-series Tandav and 'which could lead to religious flare-ups'. The Complaint, lodged by Senior Sub Inspector Amar Nath Yadav states that on perusal of twitter handles and other social media platforms, angry outburst on social media against the content of the web series (Tandav) was noticed and that people are posting its clippings.FIR registered against director, writer of web series '#Tandav' in Hazratganj police station, Lucknow [AIR News] pic.twitter.com/gapy1pIzLz— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) January 18, 2021 Accusing the web series of trying to destroy the social fabric of the country and create tension, the Complaint, lodged by Senior Sub Inspector further states, "As per the directions of higher officials, the web series was watched and it was found that in the 17th minute of Episode 1, the characters who are playing Hindu gods and goddesses have been shown in an uncharitable way and they are using undignified language, which could trigger religious sentiments." The Complaint further states that in the 22nd minute of episode number 1, there are dialogues which may spread caste-based enmity. Also, it states that the person holding a dignified post like that of prime minister has been shown in a very derogatory manner throughout the web series. "A police team from Hazratganj will leave for Mumbai to investigate and interrogate those named in the FIR on Monday," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, central zone, Somen Barma. As reported by The Press Trust of India (quoting sources), taking cognizance of complaints that Hindu gods and goddesses have been ridiculed in web series 'Tandav', the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday (17th January) sought an explanation from streaming platform Amazon Prime Video on the issue. "The ministry has taken cognizance of the matter (complaints) and asked Amazon Prime Video to explain," a source in the ministry said. 'Tandav', starring actors Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Sunil Grover, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Dino Morea, Kumud Mishra, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Gauhar Khan and Kritika Kamra, premiered on the streaming platform Amazon Prime on Friday. It may be noted that as per the reports, 3 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have already raised issues against 'Tandav'. On of them, Manoj Kotak, has written to I&B minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday seeking a ban on the series for allegedly ridiculing Hindu deities. Another party leader, Ram Kadam on Sunday said that he has filed a complaint at Mumbai's Ghatkopar Police station.Also, BJP Leader Kapil Mishra has sent Legal Notice to Amazon seeking removal of web series Tandav from its platform.BJP Leader @KapilMishra_IND send Legal Notice to Amazon @PrimeVideoIN seeking removal of web series #Tandav from its platform @PrimeVideo @BJP4India pic.twitter.com/j81FpUa4cZ— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) January 18, 2021 [With inputs from PTI]Click Here To Download FIR CopyRead FIR

Tandav Controversy: FIR Registered In Lucknow Against Makers Of Web-Series For Allegedly Hurting Religious Sentiments

Sparsh Upadhyay

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