The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has strongly objected to the upcoming Netflix filmGhooskhor Pandat, produced by filmmaker Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks. In an official statement, the federation demanded that the film’s title be withdrawn, calling it derogatory, offensive, and potentially harmful to social harmony.
FWICE, which represents 36 affiliated associations and thousands of workers, technicians, and artists from across India’s media and entertainment industry, said it has “serious concerns” about the title. According to the federation, the name appears to single out and target a specific community and its traditional means of livelihood in a manner that could hurt sentiments and create divisions within society.
Explaining its stance, FWICE stated that no profession or community should be portrayed in a way that promotes disrespect or misunderstanding. The federation stressed that the film industry, as a powerful medium of expression, carries a moral and social responsibility to ensure its content and titles do not promote hatred, unrest, or discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, or profession.
FWICE further appealed to producer bodies to refrain from registering or approving provocative film titles capable of disturbing public harmony. Condemning the registration ofGhooskhor Pandat, the organisation advised Neeraj Pandey and Friday Filmworks to withdraw the title immediately in the larger interest of unity and social cohesion. The statement also included a warning that if the issue is not addressed promptly, FWICE would advise all its affiliated associations and members to distance themselves from projects associated with the producer.
The controversy began after the film’s first look and teaser were unveiled at an event on February 3. Starring Manoj Bajpayee, the Netflix project drew criticism over its title, which many found derogatory towards the Brahmin community. The term “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt or bribe-taking, combined with “Pandat,” a colloquial form of Pandit, was seen by critics as defamatory and an attack on the dignity of the community.
Responding to the backlash, Neeraj Pandey clarified thatGhooskhor Pandatis a fictional cop drama and that the term “Pandat” is used solely as a colloquial name for a fictional character. He stressed that the film does not target or comment on any caste, religion, or community and focuses only on the actions of an individual. Acknowledging that the title has hurt the sentiments of some viewers, Pandey said the team has temporarily withdrawn all promotional materials while the matter is being addressed.
