Parithabangal YouTube Channel Pulls ‘Tirupathi Laddu’ Video Following Controversy
Picture Credits: ETV Bharat
By Pavethran Batmanathen
Tamil YouTubers Gopi and Sudhakar from the channel Parithabangal have found themselves in hot water after their recent video stirred controversy, particularly surrounding the sacred Tirupati Laddu. The video received a flood of negative reactions from netizens, sparking outrage on social media. In response to the backlash, Parithabangal apologized to its viewers and promptly removed the contentious video.
Parithabangal, a YouTube channel known for its humor-infused content, boasts a large and loyal following, which has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Gopi and Sudhakar’s sharp comedic style and their ability to tackle trending issues have resonated with audiences, helping them amass 5.71 million subscribers. Their sketches often revolve around current affairs and trending topics, adding a satirical twist to serious matters.
However, this time the duo may have misjudged their audience’s sensitivities. The video in question touched on the Tirupati Laddu, a sacred offering, and addressed the controversy surrounding it. In the now-deleted video, the thumbnail featured Sudhakar dressed in traditional attire, wearing the Iyengar community’s “namam” while holding laddus on a plate, with the Tirupati temple’s gopuram visible in the background. The depiction, along with the video’s content, led to outrage, particularly among Hindu fans who felt it disrespected their religious sentiments.
Despite the video’s removal from YouTube, it continued to circulate on other platforms, further fueling the debate. A significant part of the backlash stemmed from the video’s satirical take on Andhra Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s 11-day penance, which he undertook as atonement for an offense committed on sacred ground. Many viewers found this portrayal disrespectful, leading to widespread condemnation of the Parithabangal team.
Although the video has been taken down and the creators have apologized, the situation remains tense. The controversy has not only brought unwanted attention to the YouTubers but also reignited discussions on social media, with the video continuing to go viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and others.
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