The controversy regarding Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ is not stopping. Protests are taking place in different parts of the country regarding the name of the film. FMC has also sent a notice to the makers regarding the unauthorized title of the film. Now, after increasing protests, the film’s producer Neeraj Pandey and actor Manoj Bajpayee have issued a statement and clarified the entire matter. Both have also given clarification regarding the purpose and title of the film. There has also been talk of removing promotional items.
The purpose of the film is not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Manoj Bajpayee has issued a statement on social media giving clarification on the controversy. In this statement he wrote, ‘I respect the feelings and concerns shared by people and take them seriously. When something you’re a part of hurts some people, it forces you to stop and listen to them. As an actor, I enter a film only through the character I am playing and the story. For me it was about a wronged person and his journey of self-realization. It was not meant to make any comment about any community. In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, I have seen that he always takes seriousness and care towards his films. Keeping in mind the public sentiments, the filmmakers have decided to remove the promotional material. This shows how seriously the concerns are being taken.
The film has a fictional story
As soon as ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ was announced, people have expressed their displeasure over the use of the word ‘Pandit’ in the title of the film. This has been called an insult to the Brahmin community. Now as the controversy escalates, Neeraj Pandey has issued a long explanation on Instagram. In his statement, Neeraj Pandey said, ‘Our film is a fictional police drama. In this the word ‘Pandit’ has been used only as a colloquial name of an imaginary character. The story focuses on one person’s actions and choices. 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 good and respectful.
Said to remove promotional material
In his statement, the producer further said, ‘Like my previous films, this film has also been made with complete honesty and its sole purpose is to entertain the audience. We understand that the title of the film may have offended some viewers and we understand their feelings. Given these concerns, we have decided to remove all promotional material for the time being, as we believe the film deserves to be seen in its entirety. It should be understood in the context of the story we want to tell, not based on partial glimpses. We look forward to sharing the film with the audience soon.
FMC sent notice to makers regarding title
Film Producers Association (FMC) has also issued a notice to the makers regarding ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’. FMC says the makers did not obtain mandatory permission for the title as per rules. The notice said that filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, who is a member of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association, had not applied for permission to use the title ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’. In such a situation, its use without permission can lead to disciplinary action. ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ directed by Ritesh Shah has been produced by Neeraj Pandey. In the film, Manoj Bajpayee plays the character of Ajay Dixit, who is a bribe-taking policeman. Apart from Manoj Bajpayee, Nusrat Bharucha, Kiku Sharda, Divya Dutta, Saqib Saleem, Shraddha Das and Akshay Oberoi are seen in lead roles in the film.