The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has raised strong objections to the title Ghooskhor Pandat, warning that it could harm social harmony and hurt community sentiments. In a formal communication issued on Friday, the apex body urged film producer associations and OTT platforms to avoid registering or continuing with titles it considers provocative or offensive.
In a written letter addressed to the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India (PGI), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film and TV Producers’ Association (WIFPA), and OTT platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 and Sony Liv, FWICE expressed concern that the title allegedly targets a particular community and its traditional livelihood in a derogatory manner.
“The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing 36 affiliated associations and scores of members comprising workers, technicians, and artists of the media and entertainment industry, writes to you with serious concern regarding a controversial film being produced under the title Ghuskhor Pandat by Mr Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks," the letter stated.
FWICE further emphasised that its objection stems from the social implications of the title. “FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner. Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony."
The federation appealed to producer bodies to halt the registration of what it described as inflammatory titles and advised filmmaker Neeraj Pandey to withdraw the title with immediate effect in the interest of social unity.
“FWICE firmly believes that there should be no division in society on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, or profession. All professions are equally dignified and deserving of respect. The film industry, being a powerful medium of expression, carries a moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles do not promote hatred, disrespect, or unrest among citizens," the letter read.
Reiterating its stance, FWICE added, “We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians. FWICE strongly condemns the registration of the said title and advises Mr Neeraj Pandey and his production house, Friday Filmworks, to withdraw the same with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity."
The organisation also warned that it may ask its members to disengage from the producer’s future projects if corrective steps are not taken. “Please note that if the needful is not done forthwith, FWICE shall be compelled to advise all its affiliated associations and its scores of members to distance themselves from any project of the said producer. We trust that you will appreciate the seriousness of this matter and take appropriate corrective action in the interest of the industry and society at large," the letter noted.
Manoj Bajpayee’s reaction
The controversy centres on the title Ghooskhor Pandat, which roughly translates to ‘Corrupt Pandit’, with ‘Pandat’ commonly associated with a Brahmin surname. Critics have argued that the phrasing reinforces negative stereotypes and risks offending community sentiments.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who stars in the upcoming web series with the same title, addressed the backlash on his official X handle. Acknowledging the concerns, he wrote, “When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen," while clarifying that his role focuses on “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation." He underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement and expressed confidence in Neeraj Pandey’s “consistent seriousness and care" in storytelling.
Teaser removed from Netflix
As the debate escalated, the Centre directed Netflix to remove the teaser and all promotional material related to Ghooskhor Pandat, citing allegations that the content was “hurtful and disrespectful" to a particular social group. The controversy intensified soon after the teaser was released, with critics objecting to the pairing of the term “Ghooskhor" with a caste-linked identifier. Political leaders also weighed in, calling for the removal of the film’s marketing.
A senior BJP leader told PTI, “Taking swift action in the matter, the Centre has asked Netflix to remove the teaser and all other promotional content of the film. Anything that is against any society is completely unacceptable." BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia echoed the sentiment on X, stating, “We wholeheartedly commend the Centre’s swift and decisive action. Offensive content such as the derogatory film Ghooskhor Pandat has not only been removed from the platform, but an FIR has also been registered in the case."
Director Neeraj Pandey speaks out
Responding to the mounting pressure, Neeraj Pandey issued a clarification on Instagram, stressing that the project is a work of fiction. He stated: “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." The production team also said it chose to withdraw promotional material voluntarily, even before the government directive, adding that the film should be “understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses."
Multiple FIRs
Despite these steps, legal challenges continue to mount. An FIR has been registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Film Makers Combine (FMC) has also objected to the use of the title, claiming it was unauthorised. In its notice, the FMC stated: “As per our official records, you have not applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’… an unauthorised title that has neither been applied for nor granted cannot be used."
