Yogi Adityanath orders FIR against film Ghooskhor Pandat, Manoj Bajpayee reacts

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an FIR against the director and team members of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat. The complaint alleges that the film’s content has hurt public sentiments and disturbed social harmony, prompting action by local authorities.

The FIR at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow was registered after authorities received multiple complaints over the film’s title. Officials said some sections of the public found it objectionable, raising concerns about potential unrest or offence.

Police officials initiated the case at the direction of Hazratganj Inspector Vikram Singh, who formally lodged the complaint. The FIR specifically names the director and several members associated with the production team of the film.

The FIR filing comes after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly directed law enforcement officials to act in response to complaints about the film. The action is part of efforts to address public grievances regarding content perceived as objectionable or insensitive.

Amid the controversy, Neeraj Pandey shared a statement and expressed his intent behind the film after many viewers raised objections to the film's title, especially the use of Pandat, which, when used with ghooskhor (a term commonly used to refer to those who accept bribes), seemed like an attack on the pandit community.

In his statement, Neeraj Pandey wrote, "Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term 'Pandat' is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focusses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful."

In the wake of the controversy, Pandey revealed that the team has decided to pull down all promotions. "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. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon," his note read.

The Film Makers Combine issued the notice shortly after the project was announced, and its teaser was unveiled at an event in Mumbai earlier this week. The organisation claimed that the makers had not obtained mandatory approval for the title, as required under industry rules.

Following Neeraj's statement, Manoj Bajpayee who plays the role of Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer, reacted to the controversy and explained his approach to the role. In his lengthy note, the actor emphasised respect for public sentiment and distanced the film from any community-based intent.

"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 (sic)," he wrote.

Adding, "In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material, in light of the public sentiment. This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken (sic)."