After a First Information Report (FIR) in Madhya Pradesh, Mira Nair’s directed A Suitable Boy, is in trouble.
The Netflix India’s show A Suitable Boy was under the radar of the political leaders for a controversial kissing scene at a temple premises.
Narottam Mishra, the Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh, criticised the scene and said the show hurts the religious sentiments of people and promotes “Love Jihad.”
The FIR has been filed with the Rewa Police, Madhya Pradesh against two Netflix officials.
Mr. Mishra said, “On the basis of a complaint filed by Gaurav Tiwari, an FIR is being registered under section 295 (A) (malicious acts to outrage and insulting the religious feelings and beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Rewa against Netflix officials — Monika Shergill (the Vice President of Netflix India) #nd Ambika Khurana (the Director of Public Policy) at Netflix India.”
A Suitable Boy is the adaptation of Vikram Seth’s book Looks Delightful.’
The FIR was registered on the 23rd of November.
Gaurav Tiwari, the National Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJPYM) filed the FIR. In his FIR, Mr. Tiwari said, “Kissing scenes (filmed) inside a temple of Lord Maheshwar (a historic town located on the banks of Narmada in Madhya Pradesh) have hurt the sentiments of Hindus. This is also encouraging ‘love jihad’.”
Narottam Mishra also asked the Madhya Pradesh Police to probe the series and check if kissing scenes in the show have been shot in a temple.
Narottam Mishra later took to Twitter and said, “‘A Suitable Boy’ was released on an OTT media platform. Kissing scenes were filmed inside a temple with bhajans being sung in the background. I consider it objectionable. I think this hurt feelings.”
In another video tweet, Mr. Mishra said, “I have directed police to examine the series and determine what action can be taken against the producer and director of this series.”
Soon after the video went viral across the social media platforms, neticizens expressed their divided opinions.
While many criticised Narrotam Mishra for his words and issue, others supported him and took a dig at the makers of the show for hurting Hindu sentiments.
A user tweeted: “If you’re not liking the content, no one is forcing you to watch it. The super court of India said so. I don’t like your face, so I won’t watch your videos, I won’t ask the police to investigate your ugliness and ban you from appearing in public.”
Another user said, “Why there should be (an) objection. Hindu religion is broad minded and the sculptures on Hindu temples speak of romance as a way of life and not something to be ashamed of. It is not considered a sin.
Supporting Mr. Narrotam and demanding a boycott of Netflix India, a Twitter user said, “This double standards by OTT platforms must be prohibited and banned. Full support.”
Another user wrote: “Thank You MP’s Home Minister @drnarottammisra Ji. Please Ban Netflix In India, it’s harmful for Indian Culture. #BoycottNetflix.”
Soon after the Twitter war, #BoycottNetflix started to trend.
Rakesh Kumar Singh, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Rewa, is investigating the matter and filed the case.
The investigation is underway.
Stay tuned for further updates.
