Neeraj Pandey halts promotions after police register case over title

Legal trouble has mounted significantly for the team behind the upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed strict action against the filmmakers, citing concerns that the movie's content and title disturb social harmony. Following the Chief Minister's instructions, police in Lucknow have registered an FIR against the director and the production team.

The controversy centers on the film's title, which combines the word "Ghooskhor" (bribe-taker) with "Pandat," a colloquial term often associated with the Brahmin community. Authorities at the Hazratganj Police Station lodged the complaint after receiving multiple grievances from the public. Residents expressed that the title is derogatory and hurts religious sentiments, potentially leading to social unrest. Inspector Vikram Singh confirmed that the FIR names the director and several key members of the production crew.

Makers Pause Promotions Amid Backlash

Responding to the intensifying Ghooskhor Pandat controversy, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued a statement clarifying the team's intent. He explained that the film is a fictional cop drama where "Pandat" is merely a nickname for a character, not a reference to any specific caste or religion.

However, recognizing the public outrage, Pandey announced that the production house is pulling down all promotional material immediately. He emphasized that the story focuses on individual choices rather than targeting a community, but they wish to respect audience sensibilities until the film can be viewed in its full context.

Actor Clarifies Stance

Lead actor Manoj Bajpayee, who plays the role of the corrupt police officer Ajay Dikshit, also stepped forward to address the issue. In a detailed note, he expressed that he approaches his roles through the lens of the story and character, not to make social statements against any group. He reiterated that the decision to halt promotions reflects the team’s respect for public emotion.

Compounding the team's troubles, industry bodies have also flagged procedural violations. The Film Makers Combine noted that Neeraj Pandey had not secured the mandatory approval for the title Ghooskhor Pandat, warning that unauthorized use violates industry regulations.

Image Source: Panchanya