Ever since the launch of its India operations in 2016, it has been all guns blazing for Netflix India. And one of the most critical aspects of its strategy since has been to focus on original content. The latest addition to their list of original content is the upcoming series, Leila. Based on a book by Prayaag Akbar, the series features Huma Qureshi in the lead role. The direction for the series comes from a talented bunch including Deepa Mehta, Pawan Kumar, and Shanker Raman.
The series is all set to have a global release across countries on June 14, 2019. As expected, it is already creating a lot of buzz across social media platforms.
Before we proceed to access the social media response, let’s talk about the content a little more. The novel is a dystopian fiction, set in the future where purity is of utmost importance. People live in gated communities divided by the caste system, religion, and income. The protagonist, Shalini left alone after her husband’s death, is in search of her daughter Leila whom she lost two years back.
Considering Netflix’s past record, the expectations of the show are naturally high. There are, however, some extremely strong reactions to the content, with some calling it Hinduphobic. And, some others ripping at the makers for similarity with the Handmaid’s Tale from the US. Check out the reactions to Leila below:
There are many such practices in every religion, which i believe is total rubbish, like honour killing in Islam (i saw in Vice or Vox) and many more in Islam,but i believe Netflix is in war with the Hindu religion specifically 😁.
— EarthISHeaven (@laniakea_S_C) March 8, 2019
Here’s hoping Leila doesn’t turn out to be a desi Handmaid’s Tale
Just hoping Leila doesn’t turn out to be a desi Handmaid’s Tale, like this short trailer promiseshttps://t.co/Jx1jy1ie9a
— Kotler Laureate (@wazzamata) March 8, 2019
Ban Netflix for being anti-Hindu
The handmaid’s tale : wow such an amazing series in the dystopian genre!!💥 Why don’t they direct such stuff in India? 🤔
Leila/Ghoul: anti hindu and anti india BAN netflix 😡😠😡— Woes before Woos (@SlyIgnorant) March 8, 2019
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Seriously thinking of unsubscribing Netflix
@NetflixIndia is always pushing Anti Hindu series. Ghoul , Leila are one small examples. I am seriously thinking of unsubscribing . #Netflix @vhsindia @Ish_Bhandari @ArmchairPseph @vibhor_anand
Shud this be a national movement ?— Jayakrishnan (@jayakcr) March 9, 2019
This better not be a rip-off of Handmaid’s Tale
Leila from netflix better not turn out to be an indian version rip-off of the handmaid’s tale 😤
— aroshi (@iamhorcrux) March 8, 2019
This is Hindu-phobic content
These type of shows will only incite violence against Hindus. Hinduphobic contents seems to be the norm. Netflix india biz will go for a toss. Ready for boycott call.
— Terryl Unga 🇮🇳 (@Liberarchy2) March 9, 2019
There are, however, a few Netflix fans who cannot wait for the series to launch.
So looking forward to seeing you @humasqureshi in #Leila on @netflix …@IamDeepaMehta pic.twitter.com/41jnEahwgG
— Priya Gupta (@priyagupta999) November 17, 2018
Can’t wait, Netflix!
Its coming in June, why are u letting audience know now? We cant wait and u know that.. How saddist is this. @NetflixIndia
— destined_hooman (@destined_hooman) March 9, 2019
The series also features actors Siddharth, Sanjay Suri, Rahul Khanna, and Arif Zakaria. Guess we all will have to wait for the release to find out what the series is really made of. What are your views on Leila, will you watch it or skip it? Let us know.
