Feb 09, 2026 3:20pm IST
Fresh Controversy Erupts Over Netflix’s ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’: FWICE Demands Ban On Manoj Bajpayee Starrer
Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Netflix’s “Ghooskhor Pandat” has been garnering controversy since its announcement at the slate event in Mumbai. While earlier the use of “Pandat,” in the title was flagged as offensive to a certain community, now FWICE (The Federation of Western India Cine Employees) has demanded a blanket ban on the film.
Describing the title as “offensive and derogatory," the union has alleged that the film unfairly targets a specific community and its traditional occupation.
“FWICE is absolutely against making a mockery of any community," says the President of the Union, BN Tiwari, adding, “We are demanding not just a change of title but a ban on the film, because the intent is evident in the title itself. Such things may have been tolerated earlier, but they are unacceptable today."
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He warns of action if the film goes ahead unchanged. “It is shocking that someone like Neeraj Pandey would make a film like this and that Manoj Bajpayee would agree to be part of it," says Tiwari, adding that FWICE would issue a non-cooperation notice against the makers and cast.
He also shares that there should be a mandatory registration of OTT titles to avoid similar issues in the future. Due to the ongoing controversy, the makers have removed all promotional assets of the movie from social media.
Manoj Bajpayee reacted to the criticism around the project on social media last Friday and wrote about the issue, acknowledging the concern.
“I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realization. This was not meant to be a statement about any community,” Bajpayee shared on X.
Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the movie also features Nushrratt Bharuccha, Shraddha Das, Divya Dutta in key roles. The movie marks the reunion of Neeraj and Manoj after “Special 26” and “Aiyaary”.
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