Actor Manoj Bajpayee and director Neeraj Pandey addressed the controversy surrounding their Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandat' on Friday, clarifying that the narrative revolves around a flawed character and is not tied to any specific caste or community.
The film's announcement earlier this week ignited a significant backlash on social media, with numerous users labeling the title as 'casteist' and offensive. This uproar has led to an FIR being filed at the Hazratganj police station in Uttar Pradesh, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in response to a complaint.
In a statement shared on social media, Pandey recognized that the film's title has caused distress among some viewers and announced that all promotional content would be temporarily removed.
He emphasized that the film, which he co-wrote and produced, is a fictional police drama, and the term 'Pandat' is merely a colloquial reference for a fictional character.
'The narrative centers on an individual's choices and actions, without making any commentary on or representing any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I strive to approach my projects with a sense of responsibility, aiming to tell stories that are both thoughtful and respectful,' Pandey stated.
Bajpayee, who stars as the lead character, expressed his respect for the emotions and concerns raised by the audience. 'When a project you are involved in causes pain to some individuals, it prompts reflection and listening. My role was about depicting a flawed character and his journey of self-discovery, not making a statement about any community,' he remarked.
The crime thriller follows Bajpayee's character, Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat, a corrupt police officer whose plans for an exciting night are thwarted when he becomes embroiled in a global conspiracy in Delhi.
Announced by Netflix during a recent event, the film is directed by Ritesh Shah, who co-wrote the story with Pandey. It is produced by Pandey under his Friday Filmworks banner.
'We recognize that the film's title has caused discomfort for some viewers, and we sincerely acknowledge those sentiments. In light of these concerns, we have opted to withdraw all promotional materials for now, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood within the context of the story we aimed to convey, rather than being judged on incomplete glimpses. I eagerly anticipate sharing the film with audiences soon,' he added.
