Ghooskhor Pandat controversy has taken a serious turn, with India’s powerful film workers’ body openly opposing the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer. What started as criticism over the film’s title has now grown into a major industry backlash, street protests and police action.
FWICE Boycotts Ghooskhor Pandat
On Saturday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced that it would not cooperate with the makers of the film. FWICE President BN Tiwari strongly objected to the use of the word “Pandit” in the title and said strict action must be taken. As one of the largest film workers’ unions in India, FWICE’s stand has sent a strong signal across the industry.
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari also demanded action against Netflix, which is set to stream the film. “I have a serious objection to the use of the word Pandat in this title. No matter whose surname it is, we make films for the entertainment of the people. I strongly oppose producers and directors who insult any community. Such people have no right to make films. Those who play with the sentiments of people, whether they are producers, Netflix, or any other platform that streams such films, should be banned, and action should be taken against them,” said BN Tiwari.
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He added that times have changed and filmmakers can no longer ignore public sentiment. He added, “Times have changed. Earlier, when such films were released, there was no social media, and even if viewers were hurt, their voices were not widely heard. That will not work anymore. We won’t tolerate it now. Whoever, producer or director, may be, we will completely refuse to cooperate with them.”
Why The Title Of Manoj Bajpayee Triggered Protests
The Ghooskhor Pandat controversy centres on the word “ghooskhor,” which means someone who takes bribes, being used alongside “Pandat” – a term commonly associated with the Brahmin community. Several Brahmin organisations said the title stereotypes and insults their community.
Soon after the film was announced, protests erupted in multiple states. Demonstrators accused the makers of deliberately targeting a particular caste and hurting religious and social sentiments. The protests intensified on Friday when an FIR was registered in Lucknow on the directive of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The complaint alleges that the film hurts caste sentiments and disturbs social harmony.
In some areas, protesters burned effigies of actor Manoj Bajpayee and producer Neeraj Pandey. They also warned of stronger protests if the film’s title is not changed.
After the backlash, Producer Neeraj Pandey released a clarification, stating that the film is not intended to target or insult any community. The makers removed all promotional material (including the first-look teaser) from public platforms.
Ghooskhor Pandit stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role and marks the directorial debut of writer Ritesh Shah. The film was scheduled for release on Netflix later this year. However, with FWICE’s boycott, ongoing protests and legal action underway, the future of the project now appears uncertain.
