Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food

Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Nilesh Krishnaa in his directorial debut and jointly produced by Jatin Sethi and R. Ravindran under Zee Studios, Naad Sstudios and Trident Arts.

Her family's lineage has been dedicated to serving at the Srirangam temple, where her father cooks the food offered to devotees as prasadam.

Anand's son Ashwin, also a chef, slowly grows jealous of Annapoorani and sabotages her by staging an oven accident leading to her acquiring Ageusia, and her taste buds becoming inactive.

On 12 July 2022, Zee Studios, Naad SStudios and Trident Arts announced their jointly produced film, with Nilesh Krishnaa in his directorial debut, and Nayanthara in the lead role.

The same month, Jai, Sathyaraj and Redin Kingsley were cast for supporting roles, with the former reuniting with Nayanthara after Raja Rani (2013).

[4] On 8 April 2023, cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan, music composer Thaman S, editor Praveen Anthony and art director Durairaj were announced being part of the crew.

[11] The music and background score is composed by Thaman S, in his fourth collaboration with Nayanthara after Anjaneyulu (2009), Greeku Veerudu (2013), and Godfather (2022); maiden with Krishnaa.

[19] Janani K of India Today rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, saying it "could have been more delectable had it focused on selected ideas instead of feeling the need to force-feed messages on many topics.

"[22] Raisa Nasreen of Times Now rated the film 3 out of 5, saying "Nayanthara's Culinary Triumph Unveiled In Feast of Tradition, Aspiration And Comedy.

"[24] P. Sangeetha of OTTplay rated the film 2.5 out of 5, saying "Nayanthara's Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food falls short of becoming a delectable spread due to its weak writing and long-drawn screenplay.

"[26] The film elicited controversy after its Netflix release, with activist Ramesh Solanki and the Hindutva organisation Vishva Hindu Parishad filing an FIR against the streaming company and the filmmakers for promoting love jihad and for hurting the feelings of the Brahmin community.

[30][31][32] Filmmakers such as R. Parthiban, Vetrimaaran and Pa. Ranjith questioned the veracity of the complaints to take down the film,[33][34][35] while other celebrities criticised Netflix for yielding to pressure from "fringe elements".