The Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, has been at the centre of controversy since its teaser dropped on Tuesday. A section of netizens slammed the title of the film, alleging that it is derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered strict legal action against Netflix and the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat leading to the registration of an FIR in Lucknow over allegations that the content insults caste identity and threatens social harmony. Amid the backlash, Neeraj Pandey issued a statement mentioning that they have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being. Now, actor Manoj Bajpayee has also broken his silence over the controversy,
stating that he respects the emotions and concerns shared by the public.
Manoj Bajpayee Reacts To Backlash Over Ghooskhor Pandat Title
Amid the massive backlash over the title of his film Ghooskhor Pandat, Manoj Bajpayee shared a statement on his Instagram story, acknowledging people’s concerns. He stated that it was not meant to be a statement about any community, and that they have decided to take down the teaser and other promotional material. He also showed his support to Neeraj Pandey, pointing out the seriousness and care he brings to his projects. “I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community,” wrote Manoj Bajpayee.
He further added, “In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material, in light of the public sentiment. This shows the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken.”
Neeraj Pandey’s Statement Over Ghooskhor Pandat Title Controversy
Earlier today, Neeraj Pandey also shared a statement that read, “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term “Pandat” is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings.”
He then added, “In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses. I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.”
What Is The Controversy About?
The controversy erupted after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled during Netflix’s ‘Next on Netflix’ event earlier this month. Objections focused on the title, which combines “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat”, a colloquial form of “Pandit”. Several groups and individuals alleged that the phrasing amounts to casteist stereotyping and collective defamation of the Brahmin community.
The Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, directed by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, has been at the centre of controversy since its teaser dropped on Tuesday. A section of netizens slammed the title of the film, alleging that it is derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered strict legal action against Netflix and the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat leading to the registration of an FIR in Lucknow over allegations that the content insults caste identity and threatens social harmony. Amid the backlash, director Neeraj Pandey issued a statement mentioning that they have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being. Now, actor Manoj Bajpayee has also broken his silence over the controversy, stating that he respects the emotions and concerns shared by the public.
Manoj Bajpayee Reacts To Backlash Over Ghooskhor Pandat Title
Amid the massive backlash over the title of his film Ghooskhor Pandat, Manoj Bajpayee shared a statement on his Instagram story, acknowledging people’s concerns. He stated that it was not meant to be a statement about any community, and that they have decided to take down the teaser and other promotional material. He also showed his support to director Neeraj Pandey, pointing out the seriousness and care he brings to his projects. “I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community,” wrote Manoj Bajpayee.
He further added, “In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material, in light of the public sentiment. This shows the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken.”
Neeraj Pandey’s Statement Over Ghooskhor Pandat Title Controversy
Earlier today, Neeraj Pandey also shared a statement that read, “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term “Pandat” is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings.”
He then added, “In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses. I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.”
What Is The Controversy About?
The controversy erupted after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled during Netflix’s ‘Next on Netflix’ event earlier this month. Objections focused on the title, which combines “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat”, a colloquial form of “Pandit”. Several groups and individuals alleged that the phrasing amounts to casteist stereotyping and collective defamation of the Brahmin community.
About Neeraj Pandey’s Ghooskhor Pandat
Ghooskhor Pandat is a thriller that follows the corrupt and morally bankrupt police officer Ajay Dikshit (played by Manoj Bajpayee), as an unexpected encounter disrupts his plans and draws him into a chain of events far larger than anticipated. He finds himself in the midst of a global conspiracy while trying to unravel the identity of a badly injured girl thrown out of a moving car in the heart of Delhi.
Directed by Ritesh Shah, Ghooskhor Pandit stars Manoj Bajpayee, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, Divya Dutta, Shraddha Das and Kiku Sharda. It is produced by Neeraj Pandey.
