Here's why #ArrestLeenaManimekalai trending on Twitter, details inside

In a documentary poster depicting Goddess Kaali, filmmaker Leena Manimekalai has drawn criticism for “hurting religious sentiments” on social media. The tweet had a poster depicting a woman dressed in a costume portraying the goddess and smoking. A flag of the LGBT community can be seen in the background, too.

Several social media users have demanded the poster be removed because of the depiction of Goddess Kaali in it. A few even called for strict action against her. As a result of social media backlash, Leena has blocked comments on her Instagram account.

According to Leena, the film Kaali, was part of the "Rhythms of Canada'' segment at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The director of 2021's Maadathy, an Unfairy Tale, isn't the first female filmmaker to face trouble over religious references. Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, who explored religious divides in Kerala in his Malayalam film, Sexy Durga, courted controversy over its title in 2017. It was later renamed S Durga.

In a scene depicting Lord Shiva in a college theatre program, Prime Video's political saga Tandav also caused controversy last year. It was eventually dropped and the streamer apologised unconditionally.

Further, Anurag Basu's Ludo faced Twitterati's ire for allegedly promoting 'Hinduphobia' content in the movie.

Leena Manimekalai’s Kaali is yet to be shown to Indian audiences.

In an interview with The New Indian Express, Leena said, the film Kaali is about choosing love and promoting mankind. “Trolls are motivated by hatred. They have absolutely nothing to do with faith. They may choose love if they are patient enough to see the film. But that is precisely why they want the picture banned.”

For Leena, Kaali represents power, independence, and truth. "She is a fearless soul," the filmmaker stated.

Expressing her outrage over this issue, Leena added, “India's central government is pursuing every activist, artist, and student protestor, gradually turning the entire country into an open jail. In this internet age, nothing can be banned. Somehow, art will find its way!"