What is Kaali movie poster controversy? Outrage against Leena Manimekalai for Maa Kaali smoking poster

Outrage was provokedall over social media soon after the poster of the film 'Kaali' was shared byMadurai-born andToronto-based filmmaker,Leena Manimekalai. The poster showed a women dressed as goddess 'Kaali' smoking, depicting her as a "smoking women". Soon after Leena shared the poster, she facedbacklash on social media. The poster also showed goddess 'Kaali' holding an LGBTQ community flag. Amid the controversy, Aga Khan Museum has given an apology. Indian Embassy in Canada has also told to withdraw provocative material.Leena Manimekalai hasdirected several documentaries and some of her famous projectsinclude Mathamma, Parai, Breaking The Shackles, Love Lost, A Hole in the Bucket, and many more. She has also won awards in many National as well as International Film festivals. Leena tweeted and shared the poster of the film, she said thatthe film was a part of the 'Rhythms of Canada' segment at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Social media users demanded to withdraw the poster. Several other films and web series have also gotten into trouble due to their controversial posters and scenes. Saif Ali Khan's web series "Tandav" andAnurag Basu's film "Ludo" are one of them.

FIR filed against Kali movie directorLeena Manimekalai

FIRs have been filed against 'Kaali' movie directorLeena Manimekalai for her controversial film poster. The FIRs have been filed by the Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) wing and the Uttar Pradesh Police. A complaint was registered on July 2, by Vineet Jindal, who is a Delhi-based lawyer. The lawyer also tweeted the same. He said that this isLeena Manimekalai intentional act to hurt the sentiments of people.Earlier a police complaint was filed byBJP leader Shivam Chhabra. According to the Delhi Police,two complaints were received against the filmmaker. An FIR has been filed underIPC 153A and 295A. However, on the second complaint, the police said that a probe isunderwayand necessary action will be taken.

See the tweets by Vineet Jindal and ANI below,

What Mahua Moitra Said on Kali Movie Poster?

Trinamool Congress MP MahuaMoitraon Tuesday gave a statement regarding the 'Kaali' controversy which has increased the ongoing outrage. She was attending the India Today conclave in Kolkata, where the politician said thatit is up to individuals how they view their gods. She added, "For me, Goddess Kali is a meat-eating and alcohol-accepting goddess.And if you go toTarapithyou will see sadhus smokingThat is the version of Kali people worship.I, withinHinduism, being a Kali worshipper, have the right to imagineKali in that way; that is my freedom". After her remarks, TMCdistanced itself from the comments and alsocondemned her statement. Mahua had even unfollowed TMC on Twitter after this. However the Krishnanagar MP clarified thatshe "never backed any film andposter or mentioned the word smoking".

What others are saying about Kaali Movie Poster

Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament, Canada has also tweeted about the 'Kaali' controversy andAga Khan Museum's apology, saying that it is welcome and appreciated.

Indian actress Kathuri Shankar also tweeted calling it a "publicity stunt".

Shiv Aroor, Journalist at India Today also shared his opinion,

Amit Malviya, In-charge of BJP's National Information & Technology Department tweeted,

The 'Kaali' poster controversy is increasing day by day. Hashtags are trending on social media to arrest the directorLeena Manimekalai. The controversy is also being connected to the ongoing Nupur Sharma controversy. Some are calling it a disrespect to the right offreedom of speech and expression while some are supporting Leena.