Nayanthara’s Annapoorani released on OTT: Where to watch the controversial Tamil movie online after Netflix removal

Nayanthara’s 75th film Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food, is making its return to the OTT platform after being pulled from Netflix earlier. The film, which was released in theatres on December 1, 2023, faced severe backlash soon after its digital debut, reportedly due to allegations of hurting religious sentiments. Directed by Nilesh Krishnaa, the film’s removal from streaming platforms had sparked widespread discussion and debate online.

Where to stream Annapoorani online?

Now, nearly two years later, Annapoorani is back on OTT, but with some changes. The film is now available for streaming on JioHotstar starting October 1, 2025. However, it’s important to note that the movie has been released only in Hindi, and not in Tamil, which was its original language. According to 123Telugu report, the decision to exclude the Tamil version is reportedly linked to the earlier controversy, with the makers aiming for a less polarising re-release.

The controversy surrounding Annapoorani began after its OTT release on Netflix, where two specific scenes triggered outrage. In one scene, the protagonist makes a reference to a Hindu god eating meat, while another features Nayanthara’s character offering a non-Hindu prayer during a cooking competition.

All about Annapoorani controversy

The backlash escalated when the Hindu Seva Parishad filed an FIR in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, citing the film’s content as offensive and harmful to religious sentiments. In response, co-producer Zee Studios issued a formal apology to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Following this, lead actor Nayanthara also released a heartfelt note, apologising for any unintentional hurt caused to viewers. She expressed regret over the controversy and emphasised the intention behind the film was never to disrespect any community.

Despite the criticism, the film also found support from many who appreciated its message and performances. The story follows Annapoorani, a devout Hindu girl from Srirangam, who dreams of becoming a professional chef. However, her journey is complicated by her community’s religious beliefs, especially around cooking non-vegetarian food. Her internal struggle and how she goes through the clash between tradition and ambition forms the heart of the story.

Annapoorani features a strong ensemble cast alongside Nayanthara, including Jai, Sathyaraj, KS Ravikumar, Achyuth Kumar, Redin Kingsley, and Karthik Kumar. With powerful performances and a socially relevant theme, the film was initially seen as a bold step in Tamil cinema, though it eventually became mired in controversy.

As Annapoorani returns to streaming, it remains to be seen how audiences will receive it this time around. Stay tuned for more updates!