FWICE asks Ghooskhor Pandat makers to hold special screening for concerned communities: 'Changing title along is not enough'

During the discussion, Tiwari also alleged that the filmmakers failed to officially register the film’s title with the appropriate film bodies.

• FWICE requests special screening for community before film release
• Changing the title alone is not enough; approval from community members required
• Film's original title sparked protests and controversy in several states.

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Manoj Bajpayee–starrer Ghooskhor Pandat continues to remain at the centre of controversy following objections raised over its title. While the filmmakers have informed the Delhi High Court that the film will be released under a new title, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President BN Tiwari has now called for an additional step before the project moves forward.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, BN Tiwari responded to the latest development and made it clear that merely changing the title does not fully address the concerns.

He demanded that the makers organise a special screening for members of the concerned community and obtain their approval before the film’s release. He also cautioned that action would be taken if the film is released without conducting such a screening.

Elaborating on his stand, Tiwari said, “We are fine with the decision to change the title, but that alone is not enough. We would like to watch the film and understand how the community is depicted, as a title usually stems from the essence of the narrative."

He further expressed his surprise over the involvement of senior industry figures in the project. During the same interview, Tiwari stated, “We are shocked and surprised that such big names involving Neeraj and Manoj did this, and used a name of the community in the title. Title kahani se hi banta hai aur related hota hai isiliye community ke liye screening honi chaiyeh (The title is derived from the story that’s why we want a screening for the community). The film should not be released without the screening. The makers need to get a go ahead from the community before releasing it. If they get it, then we don’t have any issue with it.”

Reiterating his warning, BN Tiwari added, “Screening dhikhae bina nahi release hogi… Agar makers nahi mante toh non-corporation notice dal denge aur aage unke saath kaam nahi karenge (The film will not be released without the screening. If the makers don't agree then we will give a non-corporation notice and won't work with them.)"

During the discussion, Tiwari also alleged that the filmmakers failed to officially register the film’s title with the appropriate film bodies.

Also read: Manoj Bajpayee starrer Ghooskhor Pandat's title to be changed, makers to Delhi HC

He said he had personally reached out to other concerned organisations, which also confirmed that the title had not been registered with them. According to him, had the title been registered in the first place, the objections would have been raised much earlier.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, Ghooskhor Pandat landed in controversy soon after Netflix announced the film earlier this month. The title sparked strong political protests in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with members of several Brahmin organisations demanding a ban on the film and accusing the makers of targeting a specific community.