Yogi Adityanath Orders FIR Over Ghooskhor Pandat

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an FIR against the makers of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat. The action was taken after multiple complaints claimed that the film’s title hurts public sentiment and may disturb social harmony. The FIR has been registered in Lucknow, and the issue has now turned into a major national debate.

The case was filed at Hazratganj Police Station after local authorities reviewed complaints sent by several groups. Officials said the concern was not about cinema alone, but about maintaining peace and avoiding any situation that could lead to public unrest.

Why Ghooskhor Pandat Title Sparked Anger

The controversy centres on the use of the word Pandat alongside Ghooskhor, a term commonly associated with corruption or bribery. Several complainants argued that the combination appears insulting and targets a particular community. They claimed the title creates a negative image and crosses a sensitive line.

Authorities noted that while creative freedom is important, public perception also matters, especially when a title is seen as offensive by large sections. This concern led to swift administrative action.

FIR Registered At Hazratganj Police Station

Police confirmed that the FIR was registered on the directions of senior officials. Hazratganj Inspector Vikram Singh lodged the complaint after reviewing the objections received from the public. The FIR names the director and members of the film’s production team.

Officials clarified that the investigation will follow legal procedure. They said the aim is to examine whether any laws related to public order or sentiment have been violated.

Neeraj Pandey Responds To The Controversy

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey issued a detailed statement explaining the intent behind the film. He said Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and the term Pandat is used only as a colloquial name for a character. According to him, the story focuses on individual choices and actions, not on any caste, religion, or community.

Pandey also stressed that he approaches filmmaking with responsibility and respect. He stated that the film was never meant to offend or comment on any group, directly or indirectly.

Promotional Material Taken Down

In response to the growing backlash, the makers decided to pull down all promotional content of the film. Neeraj Pandey said the decision was taken so that the film is judged as a complete story, not through partial clips or a title alone.

The team expressed hope that audiences would understand the context once the film is released in full. Until then, all promotions remain suspended.

Manoj Bajpayee Reacts With Caution

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who plays a corrupt police officer named Ajay Dikshit in the film, also shared his reaction. He said he respects the emotions of people who felt hurt and believes such concerns should be taken seriously.

Bajpayee explained that as an actor, his focus was on portraying a flawed individual and his journey. He clarified that his role was not designed to represent or target any community. His statement aimed to distance the performance from any broader social interpretation.

Support For Responsible Filmmaking

Manoj Bajpayee also spoke about his experience working with Neeraj Pandey. He said the filmmaker has always shown seriousness and care in storytelling. According to him, the decision to remove promotional material reflects that responsibility.

The actor added that listening to public sentiment is important, especially when creative work triggers discomfort among viewers.

Film Makers Combine And Legal Notices

The issue escalated further after the Film Makers Combine issued a notice to the makers. The body claimed that mandatory approval for the film title was not obtained as per industry rules. It warned that continued use of the title without permission could invite disciplinary action.

Separately, Mumbai-based lawyer Ashutosh Dubey sent a legal notice to Netflix and the producers. The notice described the title as defamatory and an attack on the dignity of the pandit community.

What Happens Next

With an FIR now registered and legal scrutiny increasing, the future of Ghooskhor Pandat remains uncertain. Investigations are ongoing, and the makers are expected to cooperate with authorities.

The controversy once again highlights the thin line between creative expression and public sentiment in India. How this case unfolds may set an important example for filmmakers and streaming platforms in the coming years.