The Supreme Court has directed the makers of Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee, to change its title, calling it denigrative. Here’s all about the controversy, court observations, backlash, and film details.
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the makers of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat to change its title, observing that it is “denigrative of a particular community.” The apex court said it cannot allow any section of society to be insulted through the title or content of a film and warned that the movie will not be permitted to release unless a new title is submitted.
A bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna reportedly remarked that filmmakers must exercise restraint, adding that creative freedom cannot come at the cost of hurting social harmony.
Why the film’s title sparked controversy
The controversy erupted after the teaser of _Ghooskhor Pandat_ was unveiled earlier this month. Members of the Brahmin community objected to the use of the word “ghooskhor” (corrupt or bribe-taker) alongside “pandat,” a term commonly associated with Brahmins or Hindu priests, calling it offensive and defamatory.
The backlash quickly escalated, with protests breaking out in several cities, including the burning of effigies of producer Neeraj Pandey and director Ritesh Shah, along with calls to boycott Netflix.
FIR, protests, and legal action
Following the outrage, an FIR was reportedly filed against the makers in Lucknow on the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Multiple petitions were also filed in courts, seeking a ban on the film’s release and demanding a change in its title.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court cautioned the filmmakers, stating, **“**Tell us the new name of the film or we will not permit release.”
Neeraj Pandey’s statement and Netflix’s response
Producer
Neeraj Pandey issued a public apology, acknowledging that the title had hurt sentiments. He said, “We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings.” He also confirmed that all promotional material, including the teaser, had been taken down.
Netflix later informed the Delhi High Court that the makers had taken a “conscious decision” to rename the film, stating that the earlier title led to “unintended interruptions” that did not align with the narrative of the story.
All about Ghooskhor Pandat
Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role, alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta. The film is co-written and produced by Neeraj Pandey and directed by Ritesh Shah, marking the latter’s directorial debut.
The Netflix release date is yet to be officially announced, and the makers are expected to reveal the new title following the Supreme Court’s directive.
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