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Mumbai: Actor Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ is embroiled in controversies. The name of this Netflix crime thriller film directed by Neeraj Pandey has become a cause of controversy. Many people, including the Brahmin community, have objected to the title of the film, believing that the title tarnishes the image of Pandits and hurts religious sentiments.

Disagreement over the title of ‘Bribery Pundit’

The film was announced at the ‘Next on Netflix’ event held in Mumbai, where its teaser was unveiled. In the teaser, Manoj Bajpayee plays the role of Ajay Dixit, a corrupt police officer who is addressed as ‘Pandat’. The word ‘Ghooskhor’ has been used in reference to a bribe taker, which forms part of the title. Users on social media have called this title casteist and derogatory. Many people raised the question that if this name was associated with any other community, what would have been the reaction? As the controversy escalated, Mumbai lawyer Ashutosh Dubey has sent a legal notice to Netflix and the film producers.

Petition in Delhi High Court also

An FIR has been lodged against the team of this film at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow, in which it has been alleged that the title of the film hurts religious and caste sensitivities and can affect social harmony. Apart from this, a petition has also been filed against this film in Delhi High Court. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed action in this matter. Amid the controversy, director Neeraj Pandey has issued a statement.

He said that the film is completely fictional and depicts the journey of a police officer, who learns from his mistakes. ‘Pandat’ is just a local name for a character, which does not represent any particular caste or religion. He apologized and said there was no intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments. That is why all the promotional materials, teasers and posters of the film have been removed from social media.

Netflix’s big step

Manoj Bajpayee also reacted to this, saying that he respects people’s sentiments and takes it seriously. The film is not against any community, but is the story of an individual’s journey and self-realization. Now Netflix has also taken a big step in this regard. On the instructions of the Central Government, the platform has removed the teaser and other promotional materials of the film from its website, YouTube, Instagram and other sources.

BJP appreciated this action and said that derogatory material will not be tolerated. Although the release date of the film has not been decided yet, it will be interesting to see what will happen to the root causes of the growing controversy.