Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the registration or an FIR against the director and team members of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat.
An FIR was registered at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow accordingly, as reported by India Today. The film’s content has hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony, prompting action by local authorities, it has been alleged in the complaint.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who plays the protagonist in the film, however, posted a clarification on his verified X account on Friday morning, saying the film or his portrayal “was not meant to be a statement about any community”.
Yogi reportedly directed law enforcement officials to act in response to complaints about the film. The action is part of efforts to address public grievances regarding content perceived as objectionable or insensitive.
In this case, many viewers raised objections to the film’s title, especially the use of Pandat, which, when used with ghooskhor, seemed like an attack on the pandit community.
The maker of the film Neeraj Pandey shared a statement and expressed his intent behind the film.
“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focusses 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,” Pandey said in his statement.
The team has also decided to pull down all promotions in the wake of the controversy, Pandey said.
“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. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon,” his note read.
After Pandey’s statement, Bajpayee, who plays the role of Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer, reacted to the controversy and explained his approach to the role. He emphasised respect for public sentiment In his lengthy note and distanced the film from any community-based intent.
“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 (sic),” he wrote.
“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 reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken (sic),” he added.
