‘Cigarette Smoking’ Goddess Kali Causes Uproar; Complaint Against Filmmaker

Alok Singh

| Updated: 04 July, 2022 4:05 pm IST

Leena Manimekalai (left) and the controversial poster of her documentary (Picture courtesy: Twitter @LeenaManimekali)

NEW DELHI: Taking umbrage at an ‘offensive’ poster from an upcoming movie, Gau Mahasabha has filed a complaint against filmmaker Leena Manimekalai accusing her of hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community.

A copy of the complaint has been sent to Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana demanding to lodge an FIR against the filmmaker.

Toronto-based filmmaker Manimekalai on Sunday released the poster of her upcoming movie in which a woman is seen wearing the costumes of Hindu Goddess Kali and smoking a cigarette.

“Super thrilled to share the launch of my recent film – today at @AgaKhanMuseumas part of its Rhythms of Canada. Feeling pumped with my CREW,” Leena tweeted.

https://twitter.com/LeenaManimekali/status/1543200394477805568

Her tweet caused a lot of criticism and backlash on social media. Some demanded quick action against her.

On Monday, Gau Mahasabha member Ajay Gautam sent a complaint to Delhi Police stating that Maa Kali is an integral part of the Hindu Religion and worship across the world. The derogatory and offensive poster released by the accused hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees including him.

“The poster released by the accused hurt/insulted the religious feelings of Hindu Community including the Complainant and required strict legal action against the accused person on account of his offensive poster,” reads in the complaint. “This is not the first time when the accused made this kind of statement,” it further stated.