The upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, has run into controversy soon after its announcement. What began as objections on social media
has now escalated into a wider industry, legal and political dispute, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) calling the title “offensive and derogatory” and demanding a ban.
The film’s title has drawn criticism from multiple quarters, with allegations that it targets a specific community and its traditional identity.
FWICE Demands Ban, Calls Title “Unacceptable”
FWICE has formally written to OTT platforms and the producers, arguing that the title singles out a particular community in a way that could hurt sentiments and disturb social harmony.
“FWICE is absolutely against making a mockery of any community,” said BN Tiwari, president of the union. “We are demanding not just a change of title but a ban on the film, because the intent is evident in the title itself. Such things may have been tolerated earlier, but they are unacceptable today.”
Tiwari further stated that if the release is not stalled, the union would issue a non-cooperation notice against the producer, director and cast.
“It is shocking that someone like Neeraj Pandey would make a film like this and that Manoj Bajpayee agreed to be part of it,” he added, also calling for mandatory registration of OTT titles to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Legal Challenge In Delhi High Court
The matter has now reached the judiciary. A writ petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court challenging the film’s proposed release. The plea reportedly alleges that the title and promotional material are defamatory and communally offensive.
The petitioners have sought intervention to prevent the release, arguing that the title itself conveys an objectionable intent.
Political Protests And FIR In Uttar Pradesh
The controversy has also spilled into the political arena. Protests have been reported in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with members of Brahmin organisations demanding a ban on the project.
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has ordered the registration of an FIR against the film’s director over the title. In several locations, effigies of the filmmakers and actor Manoj Bajpayee were reportedly burnt as part of the protests.
Manoj Bajpayee Responds
Amid mounting criticism, Manoj Bajpayee issued a statement on social media, acknowledging the concerns raised.
“When something you are part of causes hurt, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote, clarifying that his decision to take up the film was driven by the character and its journey, not as a commentary on any community.
He also stated that the makers have taken down the promotional material in light of public sentiment.
Silence From The Makers
At the time of going to press, the film’s directors Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, along with the concerned OTT platform, had not responded to media queries regarding the controversy.
With legal proceedings underway and industry bodies demanding action, the future of Ghooskhor Pandat now hangs in uncertainty as the debate over creative freedom and community sensitivity intensifies.
