netflix The upcoming crime thriller film ‘Ghooshkhor Pandat’ is stuck in a whirlpool of controversies regarding its title. Actor Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey issued their clarification on Friday after the film’s name was described as casteist and derogatory. The controversy has escalated so much that an FIR has been registered in Uttar Pradesh and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also intervened in the matter. Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey clarified on Friday that its story is based on a fictional character and has no connection with any caste or community. This statement has come out after this ‘Netflix’ film had to face criticism regarding its name a day ago.
Due to this dispute, an FIR has been registered at Hazratganj police station in Uttar Pradesh, while after a complaint, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In a statement released on social media, Pandey admitted that the film’s title had “hurt” the sentiments of a section of the audience and said that all promotional material related to the film would be removed for the time being.
After the announcement of the film earlier this week, there was a strong reaction on social media regarding its name. Many users called it insensitive and insulting. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday. The notice was issued following a complaint alleging that the name of the upcoming film to be released on the OTT platform “promotes negative stereotypes” and “defames a recognized social group”.
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Pandey said the film is a fictional police drama and the word “Pandat” is only used as a colloquial name for a fictional character. He said, “The story of this film focuses on the actions of an individual and his likes/dislikes and does not target any caste, religion or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with responsibility so that the stories are thoughtful and respectful.”
The film’s lead actor Manoj Bajpayee said that he respects people’s feelings and concerns and takes them seriously. He said, “When a film or work hurts some people, the artiste should stop and think and listen to the people. As an actor, I connect with a film through its character and story. For me, this role was to show a person who is full of weaknesses and mistakes and who gradually embarks on a journey of understanding himself. This film or character is not about any community.
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This upcoming crime thriller is the story of Ajay Dixit aka Pandit, a corrupt police officer. One night his plans go awry when he finds himself caught in the middle of a global conspiracy in the heart of Delhi. The film was announced at a Netflix event on Tuesday. It is directed by Ritesh Shah, who has also written the story with Pandey. It has been produced by Pandey under his banner ‘Friday Filmworks’.
Pandey, known for popular films like “A Wednesday”, “Special 26” and “Baby”, said that “Ghooshkhor Pandit” has been made with all sincerity just to entertain the audience. He said, “We understand that the title of the film may have offended some viewers and we understand their feelings. In view of these concerns, we have decided to remove all promotional material for the time being, as we believe that a film should be evaluated only after watching it in its entirety and understanding the context of the story, and not on the basis of incomplete glimpses. I look forward to sharing it with the audience soon.”
Bajpayee, who has worked with Pandey in films like “Special 26” and “Aiyaary”, said that Pandey always approaches his work with seriousness and care. He said, “Keeping in mind the public sentiment, the film makers have decided to remove the promotional material for the time being. This makes it clear how seriously people’s concerns are being taken.” Netflix has removed the promotional teaser of the film from YouTube and other social media platforms. National President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Friday condemned the alleged insult to the Brahmin community in the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ and demanded that the Central Government should immediately ban this caste based film.