Indian embassy writes to Canadian officials over 'disrespectful' depiction of Hindu gods

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has written to the Canadian authorities after receiving complaints from leaders of Hindu community about 'disrespectful' depiction of their gods on the poster of a film showcased as part of a film festival in Toronto.

A statement issued by the High Commission said that they have urged Canadian officials and organisers of the event to withdraw all provocative material.

The poster in question is of the the film 'Kaali' by Toronto-based filmmaker Leena Manimekalai. It shows Goddess Kalli smoking and holding an LGBTQ flag and has led to a social media storm with the hashtag 'Arrest Leena Manimekalai'.

In response to the attacks, the Toronto-based director hit back to say she was willing to pay with her life.

"I have nothing to lose. Till the time I live, I wish to live with a voice that speaks what I believe without fear. If the price for that is my life, it can be given," Manimekalai wrote in a Twitter post in Tamil in response to an article on the controversy.

The Madurai-born filmmaker had shared the poster of "Kaali" on the microblogging site on Saturday and said the film was part of the 'Rhythms of Canada' segment at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

Manimekalai also urged people to watch the film to understand the context behind the poster.

Also watch: David meets Goliath? 'Upset' with God over family's ill-health, daily wage worker damages idols; arrested

"The film is about the events during Kaali's strolls through the streets of Toronto city one fine evening. If they watch the movie, they will put the hashtag 'love you Leena Manimekalai' rather than 'Arrest Leena Manimekalai'," she added in reply to another article.

(with PTI inputs)