A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Amazon Prime’s India head of original content Aparna Purohit, Tandav Web Series for allegedly depicting Hindu gods in a bad light in the web-series Tandav and ‘which could lead to religious flare-ups‘.
The FIR was filed against Tandav Web Series Director Ali Abbas Jafar, Producer Himanshu Krishna Mehra and Writer Gaurav Solanki and others at Hazratganj Kotwali in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) .
Tandav Web Series, 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.
BJP Leader Kapil Mishra has sent Legal Notice to Amazon seeking removal of web series Tandav from its platform. 3 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have already raised issues against ‘Tandav’.
It was accused that the Tandav 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.“
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, the complainant stated.
“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.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday (17th January) has sought an explanation from streaming platform Amazon Prime Video on the issue and stated “The ministry has taken cognizance of the matter (complaints) and asked Amazon Prime Video to explain”.
