Mumbai, February 6: The film “Ghooskhore Pandit,” starring actor Manoj Bajpayee, has become a topic of heated debate following the release of its teaser on Netflix. The title has sparked outrage within the Brahmin community, leading to calls for a ban on the film’s release across several states in India.
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has ruled on a petition filed by advocate Vineet Jindal, ordering the removal of the film’s title and all promotional material from all platforms. Additionally, the film’s director, Neeraj Pandey, has addressed the ongoing controversy.
Advocate Vineet Jindal’s petition claims that the title “Ghooskhore Pandit” insults the dignity, respect, and sentiments of the Brahmin community and was intentionally designed to be derogatory. Following the court’s decision, all promotional content related to the film has been ordered to be removed.
Director Neeraj Pandey has responded to the escalating controversy, asserting that the film does not aim to offend anyone’s sentiments. In a post on Instagram, he stated, “Our film is a fictional police drama, and the term ‘Pandit’ is used solely 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.”
He further added, “As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility. Like my previous films, this one has been made with complete honesty, and its sole purpose is to entertain the audience. We understand that the film’s title has hurt some viewers, and we acknowledge those feelings. Considering these concerns, we have decided to remove all promotional material for now, as we believe the film should be viewed in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we want to tell, rather than based on partial glimpses. I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.”
Overall, the film will now be released directly on Netflix amidst the controversy. However, no information has been provided regarding the exact release date.