An upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee, has triggered a major political row in Uttar Pradesh. On Friday, the Yogi Adityanath government ordered an FIR against director Neeraj Pandey over the film’s title, which has sparked strong reactions.

The Centre also stepped in and asked Netflix to remove the film’s trailer from its platform. At the same time, a Mumbai-based organisation, Film Makers Combine (FMC), sent a notice to the production house and Netflix. It urged them to show restraint in using the title.

The main controversy surrounds the name of the film. The issue quickly took a political turn, with allegations that the title targeted a particular caste. Notably, the director himself belongs to the Brahmin community.

FIR Filed Over Social Discord and Sentiment Hurt

Police registered the FIR against Neeraj Pandey at Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station. The complaint includes charges of attempting to spread social discord, hurting religious and caste sentiments, and disturbing public peace and law and order.

The state government said the step was necessary due to rising tension. Officials claimed there was widespread anger among the Brahmin community and several social organisations over the film’s name and content. Some groups also warned of protests against the movie.

Authorities added that the FIR was registered under relevant legal sections because of the sensitive nature of the matter and the possible risk to law and order.

Police Explain Grounds for Action

In a press note, police said that, at first glance, the director and his team appeared to promote the film in a way that could create social discord, disturb peace, and damage communal harmony.

The FIR was filed by Hazratganj Station House Officer Vikram Singh. He stated that the complaint highlights a caste-based insult. According to the FIR, the film’s title seems to have been deliberately chosen to target and insult a particular community, especially Brahmins.

Police also said that further action will depend on the evidence, promotional content, and legal provisions examined during the investigation.

Mayawati Supports FIR and Calls for Ban

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati supported the police action and called it the right step. She also demanded a ban on films that she believes target communities.

“It is a matter of deep sorrow and concern that for some time now, not only in Uttar Pradesh but now even in films, the term ‘Pandit’ is being portrayed as synonymous with bribery and corruption, thereby insulting and disrespecting the entire community across the country. This has led to intense anger and resentment within the Brahmin community. Our party strongly condemns this in the harshest words,” the BSP supremo wrote on X.

“The BSP demands that the central government immediately impose a ban on such caste-targeting films (web series) like ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’. At the same time, the registration of an FIR by the Lucknow Police in this matter is an appropriate step,” Mayawati added.

Filmmakers Respond to the Backlash

After the controversy grew, actor Manoj Bajpayee responded on X. He wrote: “This was not meant to be a statement about any community… The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material, in light of the public sentiment…”

Director Neeraj Pandey also issued a clarification. He said the film is fictional and not meant to offend anyone.

He posted: “Our film is a fictional cop drama and the term ‘Pandat’ is simply used as a colloquial name for a fictional character… As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility… we understand that the title… has caused hurt to some viewers… and have decided to take down all promotional material for the time being…”