'Tandav' cast and crew issue 'unconditional apology' after BJP leader's FIR

The makers said they did not intend to offend any religious beliefs or sentiments.

In their apology, they referred to the disclaimers statement that is an industry standard and said: "'Tandav' is a work of fiction and that any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental."

"'Tandav' is a work of fiction and any resemblance to acts and persons and events is purely coincidental. 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," their statement said.

"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," it added.

The apology comes after the I&B Ministry sought a response from Amazon Prime regarding the 'objectionable scenes' of the show.

"... today during a discussion, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed (of) a large number of grievances and petitions... serious concerns and apprehensions regarding its content hurting the sentiments of the people," the 'Tandav' makers' statement began.

On Sunday, Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam filed a complaint against makers of 'Tandav' for allegedly insulting Hindu gods and goddesses.

After the apology, Ram Kadam in his reaction said that since the makers did not make it clear if they will delete those scenes, he would continue the protest against the show.

He also said the apology by the makers of 'Tandav' should be seen as a lesson for all OTT platforms.

"After our protest on road for 3 hrs and then dharna andolan inside Amazon office for 5 hrs, Amazon bosses felt the pressure with calls being exchanged at various levels. This apology over Tandav should be a lesson for all OTP platforms. We will never tolerate mocking of our Hindu Gods. Culprits in the Tandav case should be jailed. Jai Sri Ram," he wrote.

He earlier questioned: "Why is it becoming a trend amongst films and web series makers to demean Hindu gods? Latest culprit seems to be the series #Tandav. #SaifAliKhan again part of a film or series which attempts to target Hindu deities. Director Ali Abbas Zafar needs to remove that scene which mocks."

He also demanded the Centre to create a body to review OTT platform movies and web series.

BJP MP Manoj Kotak also echoed similar thoughts and tweeted: "OTT Platforms having absolute freedom from censorship has led to repeated attacks on Hindu sentiments which I strongly condemn.spoke to hon. @PrakashJavdekar ji & requested that OTT content be regulated in the interest of integrity of India & we are fast moving in that direction."

Following the makers' apology, Kotak tweeted: "Your creative freedom cannot become an excuse to damage social fabric, polarise people & divide communities. India is a very diverse nation and we have to respect the sentiment of EVERY religion. The unity of our great nation cannot be compromised."

'Tandav' is based in India's national capital Delhi and revolves around the politics of the country.

Apart from Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the web series stars Dimple Kapadia, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub in the lead roles.

Tandav is streaming on Over-the-top (OTT) platform Amazon Prime Video from Jan 15.