The Indian Air Force Wednesday asked Netflix to withdraw some scenes from the upcoming movie ‘AK vs AK’ for incorrect use of uniform and inappropriate language.
In a tweet, the IAF said the uniform in the teaser was “inaccurately donned” and the language was also “inappropriate”, asking Netflix to withdraw the scenes. “The IAF uniform in this video is inaccurately donned & the language used is inappropriate. This does not conform to the behavioral norms of those in the Armed Forces of India. The related scenes need to be withdrawn,” read the tweet.
Netflix responded to IAF’s objections and said that that it did not intend to “disrespect the Armed Forces of India”. The streaming service clarified in a tweet Wednesday that the actors are playing themselves in the film.
“At no point does the film represent the Indian Air Force or our Armed Forces. We have nothing but the highest respect for the brave people protecting our nation,” the tweet added.
In a teaser from the movie, released Monday, actor Anil Kapoor can be seen abusing, dancing, and beating up people in a Commodore uniform. Kapoor shared the teaser on Twitter.
Meanwhile, a source close to the films said, "Anil Kapoor is not playing someone from an IAF commodore. Anil Kapoor is dressed in an IAF uniform because he’s on set shooting a film when he is interrupted by Anurag Kashyap who confronts him in the Vanity Van. Anil is in costume. Anurag tells him that Anil has only 13 hours to rescue his daughter - Sonam, who has been kidnapped. Anil runs out in his costume which happens to be a uniform - the film is set over the course of that one night."
As per reports, the formal letter has also been sent to Netflix asking them to withdraw the scenes, along with the Ministry of Defense. However, Anil Kapoor has also posted an apology for hurting the sentiments of the IAF and shredded some light on the context that was shown in the scene.
The film has been directed by Vikramaditya Motwani and stars Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap in lead roles. It will premier on Netflix on 24 December.