A rapidly escalating controversy over Ghooskhor Pandat and Manoj Bajpayee has moved from online outrage to street protests and legal action in Uttar Pradesh. What began as objections to the film’s title has led to demonstrations in multiple cities and an FIR filed in Lucknow after intervention from the state administration.
Protests erupt in Bhopal and Prayagraj over the title
Scenes of protests were reported in Bhopal and Prayagraj where members of local outfits and sections of the Brahmin community gathered to demand removal of the title of Ghooskhor Pandat. Visuals carried by IANS and covered by Mid-day show demonstrators holding placards and raising slogans against the makers and the lead actor. In Prayagraj, the Rashtriya Parshuram Sena reportedly gathered at Subhash Chowk in Civil Lines. According to those visuals, effigies said to represent Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey were allegedly beaten and later set alight during the demonstration.
The protests have triggered a wider public conversation on freedom of expression and concerns about offence to community sentiments. Local authorities were seen managing crowds while security agencies monitored the situation. Promotional material linked to the project was pulled down as makers reassessed the outreach plan amid the backlash.
FIR registered in Lucknow after UP government action
Officials in Lucknow confirmed that Hazratganj Police registered an FIR related to Ghooskhor Pandat following directions from the Uttar Pradesh government. The complaint, filed after intervention by the state administration, alleges the content could disturb social harmony and hurt religious and caste sentiments. Police said the matter is under investigation and legal teams are reviewing the material that prompted the complaint.
The registration of an FIR is a notable escalation and could affect the project’s title, marketing and release timeline depending on the outcome of the inquiry and any legal challenges that follow.
Manoj Bajpayee and makers respond to concerns
Manoj Bajpayee issued an official statement addressing the backlash. He wrote, “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.”
Neeraj Pandey and Netflix also released a clarification through Netflix’s publicity team stating that the term “Pandat” is being used as a colloquial name for a fictional character and “it does not represent any particular caste, religion, or community.” Makers have said they are engaging with stakeholders while legal teams assess next steps.
With protests continuing and legal proceedings underway, the fate of Ghooskhor Pandat in terms of title, promotions and release will be watched closely by industry insiders and audiences alike.
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