KOLKATA: Amid the blazing row over its recent show Tandav, Amazon Prime Video has apologised “unconditionally” to viewers whose sentiments were hurt by certain scenes. Additionally, the objectionable scenes were either removed or edited, the company stated.

“Amazon Prime Video again deeply regrets that viewers considered certain scenes to be objectionable in the recently launched fictional series Tandav. This was never our intention, and the scenes that were objected to were removed or edited when they were brought to our attention. We respect our viewers’ diverse beliefs and apologise unconditionally to anyone who felt hurt by these scenes,” it said in a statement.

The OTT platform added that its teams follow company content evaluation processes, which need to be constantly updated to better serve audiences. IT will continue to develop entertaining content with partners, while complying with the laws of India and respecting the diversity of culture and beliefs of our audiences, it noted.

The Allahabad high court recently rejected the anticipatory bail application of Amazon Prime Video India originals head Aparna Purohit in the ongoing investigation into Tandav, a political drama starring Saif Ali Khan and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub that explores hot-button issues affecting the spheres of power in the country.

Following its launch on 15 January 2021, the web series sparked outcry from certain sections of the populace, who accused the makers of hurting religious sentiments through certain scenes which mocked the Hindu deity Shiva. This led to registering of FIRs in several cities, and prompted the show’s director Ali Abbas Zafar to issue an unconditional apology on social media.