By Pramod Madhav: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Tamil film ‘Farhana’, police force has been deployed outside the residence of actor Aishwarya Rajesh as the movie has stoked a controversy since its trailer came out. She plays the main role in the film and essays the character of a Muslim woman.

The film was released on May 12 and had landed in controversy as critics allege that it portrays Muslim community a particular way. A few Muslim groups, including the Indian National League (INL), even termed it “anti-Islamic”.

Directed by Nelson Venkatesan, the movie depicts the journey of the protagonist, Farhana, who becomes employed by a company offering phone sex chat services. Initially uneasy about her job, she gradually develops a connection with a caller who seeks companionship and conversation.

Police protection was provided to Aishwarya Rajesh, fearing a controversy similar to that of ‘The Kerala Story’.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rajesh’s Farhana makers issue statement amid controversy, say ‘not against any religion’

Notably, the actor had recently told India Today in an interview that she would have played the character irrespective of its religion. “Religion was never a topic to think. I would have played this character even it was a Hindu or Christian. The religion angle was not even a barrier for me,” she had said.

However, makers of the film recently issued a statement saying ‘Farhana’ is not against any particular religion. “Our films has spoke about religious harmony, social unity and love,” the statement read.

The film has been mired in controversy after a few Islamic outfits accused the film of having dialogues that are insulting to Muslim women and the hijab.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rajesh says ‘religion was never a barrier’ as she addresses controversy surrounding Farhana | Interview