Amazon Issues Rare Apology To Its Indian Viewers Amid Complaints Against Tandav Series
Amazon.com Inc’s Prime Video streaming service finally succumbed to the pressure of Hindu Nationalists in India as on Tuesday it issued a rare apology to its Indian viewers for some scenes in its original political drama series “Tandav“, for allegedly offending Hindu religious beliefs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, titled “Amazon Prime Video Apologizes”, the company said that it deeply regrets viewers considered certain scenes to be objectionable.
Amazon apologizes “unconditionally to anyone who felt hurt,” Amazon said, adding that it will continue to develop content while respecting the diversity of audiences’ culture and beliefs.
It was almost a week ago when the “Tandav” row escalated as the police in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh questioned one of Amazon’s top executives for hours in one case filed against the show.
Asked about the company apology, a senior state police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the authorities would continue investigating the matter.
Saif Ali Khan-starrer Amazon Prime’s web series Tandav is named after the Hindi word that means ‘Furry’ stirred outrage in several Indian states for offending religious beliefs.
A number of has police complaints and court cases were filed against the actors and the production team of Tandav, alleging the series had depicted Hindu gods and goddesses in a derogatory manner, and adding more to it Lawmakers from India’s ruling nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party have also criticized the series including the streaming platform.
Tandav comprising of nine-episode was released on the streaming platform Amazon Prime Videos on January 15.
