A Netflix series has sparked a row amongst Indians. Will this also be distorted and made into a Hindu-Muslim struggle or not?
What Happened?
Netflix’s web series ‘A Suitable Boy’ was accused of having hurt “religious sentiments” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. The show has a scene where a Hindu woman and a man belonging to the Muslim community share a kiss at a temple.
This, according to BJP Party leaders, calls for legal actions because the show is promoting ‘love jihad.’
अपने ‘A Suitable Boy’ कार्यक्रम में @NetflixIndia ने एक ही एपिसोड में तीन बार मंदिर प्रांगण में चुंबन दृश्य फ़िल्माए। पटकथा के अनुसार मुस्लिम युवक को हिंदू महिला प्रेम करती है, पर सभी किसिंग सीन मंदिर प्रांगण में क्यूँ शूट किए गए?
मैने रीवा में इस मामले पर FIR दर्ज करा दी है। pic.twitter.com/RcwuPDDME2
— Gaurav Tiwari (@adolitics) November 21, 2020
What Is The Show About?
‘A Suitable Boy’ is Mira Nair’s TV adaptation of Vikram Seth’s novel A Suitable Boy. The series was released on Netflix on October 23. Ishaan Khatter, Tabu, Tanya Maniktala, and Rasika Dugal are seen in pivotal roles in the series and maybe in danger as a result too.
The series is set in the backdrop of newly independent India and is about families finding “a suitable boy” for their daughters.
Current Status of Legal Proceedings
BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra have initiated action against the OTT platform. “Netflix is promoting love jihad,” Tiwari said in a tweet in Hindi, which is sensationalizing this further.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, “I have instructed authorities to check what legal action can be taken against these scenes…”. Not only is BJP coming after the platform itself but also the producer of the series. This just shows to what extent this event is being received negatively.
Netflix Is Not Off The Hook
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Goel also called for an FIR to be registered against Netflix.
“If any OTT platform is deliberately insulting the Hindu Gods & Goddess, pls file the complaint with the police or local court under Section 295A of IPC. The law will take care of such offenders. In case of any assistance, you can contact me or @chakusameer,” he tweeted.
If any OTT platform is deliberately insulting the Hindu Gods & Goddess, pls file the complaint with the police or local court under Section 295A of IPC. The law will take care of such offenders.
In case of any assistance you can contact me or @chakusameer#BoycottNetflix
— Gaurav Goel (@goelgauravbjp) November 22, 2020
What Is Likely To Happen?
This looks a lot like how Pakistanis received the video of Saba Qamar twirling in a mosque. That was just a twirl, and this was a kiss in a religious place for the Hindus, the temple. While the sentiments are understandable, the extent to which the BJP party will go is not.
The show’s producers are likely to apologize for it but will it be enough? Those who are hell-bent on bringing a platform like Netflix down on its knees will not be silenced with just an apology. Here’s hoping no harm is caused to anyone during this process.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
