FWICE takes a strong stand against the ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ title, warns of boycott: ‘We won't tolerate it now’

FWICE takes a strong stand against the ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ title, warns of boycott

• FWICE objects to Netflix film title Ghooskhor Pandat, citing hurt sentiments
• Protests and FIR filed over alleged caste and religious insensitivity
• Filmmakers clarify title refers to a character, not a community

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The upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat — starring Manoj Bajpayee and produced by Neeraj Pandey — has become the centre of a major controversy in the Indian entertainment industry, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) taking a firm stance against its title.

FWICE president BN Tiwari has condemned the use of the term “Pandat” in the title of the project, saying it has the potential to hurt community sentiments and disturb social harmony. The body says it will refuse cooperation with the film’s makers unless changes are made to address these concerns.

In an interview with ANI he said, "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."

Representing 36 affiliated media industry associations — including workers, technicians and artists — FWICE wrote to major producer bodies and OTT platforms, including Netflix, urging them not to register or continue with what it describes as a provocative and offensive title. “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,” added FWICE President.

The controversy has snowballed beyond industry objections. Protests have erupted in several states, with some demonstrators staging symbolic acts like burning effigies of Manoj Bajpayee and Neraj Pandey, demanding that the title be changed. An FIR was also registered in Lucknow, accusing the film’s team of hurting caste and religious sentiments and disrupting social harmony amid the uproar.

In response to the backlash, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey issued a clarification, stating that Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and that the term “Pandat” refers to a character’s colloquial nickname, not a statement about any community or caste. As part of efforts to calm the situation, the team has taken down promotional material so audiences can experience the story in full context.

Also read: Ghooskhor Pandat controversy: UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders FIR against director Neeraj Pandey; Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak calls it 'highly reprehensible'

Actor Manoj Bajpayee also addressed the controversy on social media, saying he respects the feelings of those who felt hurt and emphasised that the film was never intended to target any community. He explained that his portrayal focuses on the journey of a flawed individual, not on any communal narrative.