The poster of a documentary film that depicts Hindu goddess Kaali smoking a cigarette has sparked outrage in a sizeable section of social media. Whilemany called fo the rarres of the film maker, now the Indian High Commission has issued an open letter on Monday and has asked the filmmaker and the Canadian authorities to remove “all provocative material”. They have asked for the removal of the poster from the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto in the North American nation.

The letter reads, “We have received complaints from leaders of the Hindu community in Canada about the disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods on the poster of a film showcased as part of the ‘Under the Tent’ project at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto. Our Consulate General in Toronto has conveyed these concerns to the organizers of the event. We are also informed that several Hindu groups have approached authorities in Canada to take action. We urge the Canadian authorities and the event organizers to withdraw all such provocative material.”

The controversy erupted after Leena Manimekalai shared the poster of the film on social media. The poster depicts a woman dressed in the costume of Goddess Kaali. She is seen smoking a cigarette in the photo. Along with her usual accoutrements of trishul (trident), and sickle, the actor playing the goddess is shown wielding the LGBTQ+ community's pride flag.

Please see a Press Released issued by @HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PIB_India @DDNewslive @IndiainToronto @cgivancouver pic.twitter.com/DGjQynxYJS

— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) July 4, 2022