Lucknow police registers FIR against makers of film Ghooskhor Pandat
Manoj Bajpayee starrer film Ghooskhor Pandat teasers have run into a political storm, and the police registered an FIR against film director Neeraj Pandey in Lucknow. The BJP on Friday said the Centre has asked OTT platform Netflix to remove the teaser and other promotional content of the film, Ghooskhor Pandat, from social media.
The controversy has also led to the registration of an FIR at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow, while the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting following a complaint.
In a social media post in Hindi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "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." This sends a clear message that insults to Sanatan Dharma will no longer be tolerated, he added.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati joined in protesting against the film. “It is a matter of deep sorrow and concern that for some time now — not only in Uttar Pradesh but now even in films — the term ‘Pandit’ is being portrayed as synonymous with bribery and corruption, thereby insulting and disrespecting the entire community across the country. This has led to intense anger and resentment within the Brahmin community,” she wrote on social media.
After Netflix took down all Ghooskhor Pandat promotional material on Friday, both Neeraj and Manoj released statements on social media. “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,” explained Neeraj.
