We had recently reported about Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) asking the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat to change their film’s title, following the controversy that erupted over the usage of ‘Pandat’ in the title. Now, reports are coming in that Netflix has decided to change their film’s title, giving into the organisation's demands.
The producers informed Delhi High Court about their decision to rename their film earlier today. Meanwhile, FWICE has also demanded for an official screening for the organisation seeking their approval, before the film can arrive on Netflix. Speaking to Hindustan Times, FWICE president BN Tiwari said, “ We would like to watch the film and understand how the community is depicted, as a title usually stems from the essence of the narrative,” Tiwari tells us.
Featuring Manoj in the title role, the crime thriller follows Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat, a corrupt police officer who finds himself caught in the middle of a global conspiracy The film’s teaser, which was unveiled exactly a week ago, stirred controversy instantly on social media, with film-goers taking objection to the use of ‘Pandat,’ alleging the makers of defaming the Brahmin and Hindu community.
The Ghooskhor Pandat makers also had an FIR filed against them in Lucknow, after directives from UP Government. At various demonstrations held in UP and Madhya Pradesh, effigies of Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey were burnt as a form of protest as well.
The streamer is yet to announce a release date for Ghooskhor Pandat. The film is directed by Ritesh Shah, who has also penned the story with Neeraj. It is produced by Neeraj through his banner Friday Filmworks. Besides Manoj, Ghooskhor Pandat stars Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta.