Filmmaker Leena Manimekalai has received summons from a Delhi court on a lawsuit that aims to prevent her from showing the goddess Kali smoking a cigarette.

Manimekalai was accused of portraying the Hindu deity in a highly "uncalled for manner" and of showing the goddess smoking in the movie's poster and promotional video. A lawsuit seeking a permanent and binding injunction against Manimekalai and other parties has been filed by the plaintiff.

The lawsuit claims that the movie's poster offends religious sensibilities and goes against the fundamental standards of morality and decency. The complainant also claimed Manimekalai shared the poster from her Twitter account.

On August 6, the court has scheduled a follow-up hearing in this case.

THE CONTROVERSY

After sharing the movie's poster on social media, director Leena Manimekalai ignited a huge uproar. The woman on the poster is dressed as the goddess Kali. In the image, she can be seen lighting up a cigarette. In addition to her customary trishul (trident) and sickle, the actress portraying the goddess is also shown waving the pride flag for the LGBTQ+ community.

Leena Manimekalai has currently been the subject of numerous FIRs across India for allegedly hurting Hindus' religious feelings.