Authorities are looking into claims that Amazon’s new Prime Video series “Tandav” includes religiously insensitive content. Several Indian politicians say they have complained to the police or regulators about the company and the show’s creators.
The show follows a power-hungry politician who is willing to do anything to become the country’s prime minister. It is loosely based on real political controversies that have erupted across the country as Hindu nationalism has grown.
Kotak, who is a member of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said that the show’s creators appeared to be “deliberately mocking Hindu Gods.”
CNN Business has requested comment from both Amazon and Zafar, the director of the series, but has yet to receive a response.
“The cast and crew of ‘Tandav’ take cognizance of the concerns expressed by the people and unconditionally apologize if it has unintentionally hurt anybody’s sentiments,” the statement read.
Authorities step in
“A discussion will happen on this,” a spokesperson told CNN Business.
The series has prompted other lawmakers to go to the police. Ram Kadam, another BJP leader and local legislator in the state of Maharashtra, said he filed a police complaint in Mumbai over the weekend, accusing Amazon of intending to “outrage religious sentiments” and publish “material which can cause harm.”
Local police confirmed that they had received Kadam’s complaint, but had not yet started an investigation.
A critical market
India is a crucial market for Amazon. This month, a company executive called the country “one of the most exciting streaming markets in the world right now.”
Go to the news source: ‘Tandav’ controversy: Amazon series faces calls for a ban in India
