FIR filed in Lucknow against ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ over alleged ‘caste insult’, filmmaker withdraws all promotional material

LUCKNOW, NEW DELHI, MUMBAI: An FIR has been registered at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow against the makers of the web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ over allegations that its title and content “hurt religious and caste sentiments” and threaten public harmony.

The action follows directions to take strict measures against content that disturbs social peace, officials said. According to the Lucknow police, the Station House Officer of Kotwali Hazratganj, Inspector Vikram Singh, took cognisance of complaints related to the film/web series, which is stated to be broadcast on social media and an OTT platform.

The police said that prima facie the title has been deliberately framed to target and insult a particular community–specifically the Brahmin community, by associating the term “Pandat” with corruption. Authorities cited widespread anger and resentment among members of the Brahmin community and various social organisations over the name and alleged content of the film.

The police noted that some organisations have warned of aggressive protests, raising concerns about law and order and the potential disruption of social harmony. In view of the sensitive circumstances, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections against the film’s director, Neeraj Pandey and his team.

The police stated that further legal proceedings and investigation are under way, adding that a policy of zero tolerance will be followed against any attempt to hurt community sentiments or disturb public peace.

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The police action comes amid parallel legal proceedings in Delhi. A writ petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release and streaming of an upcoming Netflix film titled Ghooskhor Pandat. The petition, filed by Mahender Chaturvedi through Advocate Vineet Jindal, alleges that the title and proposed content are defamatory and communally offensive.

The petitioner claims that linking the term “Pandat” with bribery and immoral conduct harms the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community and undermines the historical and cultural significance of the term, which he says signifies scholarship, ethical conduct and spiritual guidance.

The plea contends that the portrayal amounts to stereotyping and vilification of an entire religious and social community. The petition argues that the impugned content violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution, while acknowledging that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions.

It also seeks directions to the Union Government and Netflix India to stay the release and take action under applicable laws governing digital and OTT platforms, citing the risk of irreversible damage if the content is streamed.

Amid the mounting legal and social scrutiny over his upcoming web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat,’ filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued an official statement clarifying the intent behind the project and announcing the withdrawal of all promotional material for the time being.

In his statement posted on his Instagram handle, Pandey said the film is a fictional cop drama and stressed that the term “Pandat” is used purely 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 director said, adding that he approaches his work with a “deep sense of responsibility” to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.

 

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A post shared by Neeraj Pandey (@neerajpofficial)

Acknowledging that the title has caused hurt to some viewers, Pandey said the team has decided to take down all promotional materials. “We genuinely acknowledge those feelings. 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,” he wrote.

He also reiterated that the film was created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing controversies.

Meanwhile, the Film Makers Combine (FMC) a Mumbai-based organisation has also raised an objection against the film’s title.

In a notice to film’s production house, Friday Story Tellers, FMC stated, “You are a bonafide member of IMPPA. As per our official record, you have not even applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat. As per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine, you cannot use the title which is unauthorized and not even applied and granted”. Seeking an immediate response from the makers, the notice also cautioned the makers of taking disciplinary action.

On the other hand, FMC also issued a notice to the streaming major Netflix, further adding, “We wish to bring in your kind notice that you are releasing a film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat produced by Mr Neeraj Pandey of Friday Story Tellers LLP on your esteemed channel Netflix. The title of the film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat has not been applied or granted by any of the Producers’ Associations. The unauthorized use of the title is illegal as per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine,” as per the statement.

It sought the streamer from refraining using the aforementioned title for the film. Netflix is yet to share a response on the developments. (ANI)