Following the backlash against the Saif Ali Khan-Dimple Kapadia starrer Tandav by BJP leaders; who alleged the web series was insulting Hindu gods and goddesses; the makers of the show have issued an unconditional apology for hurting religious sentiments.
“We have been closely monitoring viewer reactions to the web series Tandav and today during a discussion; the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has informed us; regarding a large number of grievances and petitions received on various facets of the web series; with serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people,” read the official statement by the cast and crew of the Amazon Prime show, shared on Twitter by filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar.
Ali Abbas Zafar Tweet
We just want to share a quick update with everybody. We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised; value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly. https://t.co/Yp8kogTlvs
— ali abbas zafar (@aliabbaszafar) January 18, 2021
However, stressing that it’s a work of fiction with any resemblance to acts, persons, or events purely coincidental, they regretted offending the audiences.
“The cast and crew did not have any intention to offend the sentiments of any individual, caste, community, race, religion or religious beliefs or insult or outrage any institution; political party or person, living or dead. 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 added.
Moreover, in an update, Zafar shared that the makers were “in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised”.
“We value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly,” he reiterated.
Apology
The apology comes after a local official from India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party had registered a police complaint against the web series, claiming it was stirring a potential religious controversy and threatening to launch a protest at the company’s office in Mumbai.
Furthermore, the commotion had also led to additional security outside Saif Ali Khan’s Mumbai residence.
However, an FIR had also filed against director Ali Abbas Zafar; writer Gaurav Solanki, Amazon Prime’s India head of original content; Aparna Purohit and Tandav’s producer Himanshu Krishna Mehra.
Set in Delhi, Tandav features an array of characters scheming for political power. The show focuses on the story of Samar Pratap (Saif Ali Khan) and his quest to inherit the chair of PM from his father; Devki Nandan (Tigmanshu Dhulia), who isn’t willing to retire yet.