Indian High Commission in Canada seeks elimination of ‘smoking Kaali’ poster

The Indian High Commission in Canada on Monday issued a press release on ‘smoking Kaali’ poster by filmmaker Leena Manimekalai.

Poster of documentary movie Kaali depicts the Hindu goddess smoking a cigarette (Image credit: Twitter)

The Indian High Commission in Canada on Monday issued a press release on ‘smoking Kaali’ poster by filmmaker Leena Manimekalai, and urged the Canadian authorities and the occasion organizers to withdraw “all such provocative material”.

In a press release, the High Commission mentioned that they’ve obtained complaints from leaders of the Hindu neighborhood in Canada about “disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods on the poster of a film showcased as part of the ‘Under the Tent project at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto.”

Please see a Press Released issued by @HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PIB_India @DDNewslive @IndiainToronto @cgivancouver pic.twitter.com/DGjQynxYJS

— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) July 4, 2022

“Our Consulate General in Toronto has conveyed these concerns to the organizers of the event,” learn the assertion.

“We are also informed that several Hindu groups have approached authorities in Canada to take action. We urge the Canadian authorities and the event organizers to withdraw all such provocative material,” it added.

Kaali controversy:

The controversy erupted after filmmaker Leena Manimekalai shared the poster of the movie on social media. The poster depicts a lady dressed within the costume of Goddess Kaali. She is seen smoking a cigarette within the photograph. Along together with her common accoutrements of trishul (trident), and sickle, the actor taking part in the goddess is proven wielding the LGBTQ+ neighborhood’s delight flag. Take a glance right here:

Super thrilled to share the launch of my latest movie – at this time at @AgaKhanMuseum as a part of its “Rhythms of Canada”
Link: https://t.co/RAQimMt7Ln

I made this efficiency doc as a cohort of https://t.co/D5ywx1Y7Wu@YorkuAMPD @TorontoMet @YorkUFGS

Feeling pumped with my CREW pic.twitter.com/L8LDDnctC9

— Leena Manimekalai (@LeenaManimekali) July 2, 2022

Soon after she shared the poster, Leena Manimekalai was on the receiving finish of on-line brickbats. Social media customers requested the Aga Khan Museum, the place the movie was launched, to take it down instantly.

Meanwhile, the maker of the movie, Leena Manimekalai, has urged individuals to look at the film first earlier than vilifying it.