What's happened
Netflix removes Indian film 'Annapoorani: the Goddess of Food' following protests from right-wing Hindu groups over its depiction of a deity and a member of a traditionally vegetarian caste cooking and eating meat.
Why it matters
The removal of the film highlights the ongoing cultural and religious sensitivities in India, particularly regarding the portrayal of religious figures and dietary practices. It also underscores the influence of right-wing Hindu groups in shaping cultural narratives and content.
What the papers say
The Guardian emphasizes the controversy surrounding the film's depiction of a deity and a member of a traditionally vegetarian caste cooking and eating meat, while The Independent focuses on the backlash from right-wing Hindu groups and the removal of the film from the streaming platform. The New York Times highlights the power of Hindu nationalists to influence the depiction of Indian society on screen, while South China Morning Post discusses the film's removal following protests from Hindu activists.
How we got here
The film 'Annapoorani: the Goddess of Food' faced criticism from right-wing Hindu groups for its portrayal of a deity and a member of a traditionally vegetarian caste cooking and eating meat, leading to its removal from the Netflix platform.
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