Trouble mounts for Netflix, cops probing 'A Suitable Boy' kissing scene in MP temple

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra took to Twitter to announce, "The series 'A Suitable Boy' was released on an OTT media platform. Kissing scenes were filmed inside a temple with bhajans being sung in the background. I consider it objectionable. I think this hurt feelings. I have directed police to examine the series and determine what action can be taken against the producer and director of this series"

First Published Nov 23, 2020, 9:35 AM IST

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Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a police probe against Netflix web series 'A suitable boy' after a BJP youth wing member objected to a scene in which a Hindu girl kisses a Muslim boy in a temple.

The web series is based on author Vikram Seth's book by the same name. It is directed by celebrated Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, who is known for her critically-acclaimed films such as 'Salaam Bombay', 'Monsoon Wedding' and 'The Namesake'.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra took to Twitter to announce, "The series 'A Suitable Boy' was released on an OTT media platform. Kissing scenes were filmed inside a temple with bhajans being sung in the background. I consider it objectionable. I think this hurt feelings. I have directed police to examine the series and determine what action can be taken against the producer and director of this series"

The Home Minister's response came after BJYM national secretary Gaurav Tiwari submitted a memorandum to Rewa SP Rakesh Kumar Singh demanding an apology from Netflix and makers of the series and removal of 'objectionable scenes'. He said, "Parts of the series were filmed in Maheshwar town in Madhya Pradesh. The kissing scene inside the temple has hurt our sentiments." He even warned of street protests if the series is not taken off the platform.

The kissing scene created massive uproar on social media with #BoycottNetflix being the top trend on micro-blogging site Twitter at one point. The new controversy involving an OTT platform comes just weeks after the Narendra Modi government announced rules to regulate content on video streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Walt Disney’s Hotstar.