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Netflix to Rename 'Ghooskhor Pandat' After Court Rejects Ban Plea

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', providing relief to its makers and star Manoj Bajpayee. Netflix informed the court it will revise the film's title, which had faced allegations of being communally offensive and derogatory. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had strongly objected, stating the title targeted a community and could disturb social harmony. Actor Manoj Bajpayee previously clarified the film was about a flawed individual's journey and not a statement against any community.

Key Points: Netflix to Change 'Ghooskhor Pandat' Title, Court Rejects Ban

  • Court dismisses plea to ban film
  • Netflix agrees to change title
  • Title criticized as derogatory to community
  • FWICE objected to provocative title
2 min read

'Ghooskhor Pandat' row: Netflix to revise title, Delhi High Court rejects petition to halt release

Delhi High Court dismisses petition to ban Manoj Bajpayee's Netflix film. Streaming giant agrees to revise the controversial title.

"This was not meant to be a statement about any community. - Manoj Bajpayee"

Mumbai, Feb 10

In a major relief for actor Manoj Bajpayee and the makers of his forthcoming Netflix drama "Ghooskhor Pandat", the Delhi High Court has dismissed the petition seeking a ban on the release and streaming of the film.

The decision comes after Netflix informed the Delhi High Court that it is going to change the name of the movie.

The lawyer representing the streaming giant further stated that all promotional material related to the movie has already been removed from social media.

The petitioner had alleged that the title and proposed content of the film are defamatory and communally offensive.

A massive row erupted after social media users criticised the title of the film, calling it derogatory towards the Brahmin community.

Apart from this, multiple FIRs were filed seeking a ban on the release of the project.

A few days back, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had also written to the producer to withdraw the title of the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer.

Urging different OTT platforms to address the issue, they penned, "FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner. Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony".

They further mentioned, "FWICE firmly believes that there should be no division in society on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, or profession. All professions are equally dignified and deserving of respect. The film industry, being a powerful medium of expression, carries a moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles.do not promote hatred, disrespect, or unrest among citizens. We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians."

Previously, Manoj Bajpayee also reacted to the objection about the name of his next film, saying that the movie is not a remark on a particular community.

He shared, "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 realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While I support creative freedom, filmmakers must be sensitive. India is a diverse country with deep-rooted sentiments. A little more thought before finalizing such a provocative title could have avoided this whole mess. 🤷‍♀️ Glad it's resolved.
A
Arjun K
The court made the right call by not banning it. Let people watch and decide for themselves. This trend of filing FIRs against every film is getting out of hand. We need to trust our audiences more.
P
Priyanka N
FWICE's statement is spot on. The film industry has a responsibility. It's not about censorship, it's about not deliberately hurting communities for cheap publicity or controversy. Respect should be the baseline.
M
Michael C
Interesting case. As an outsider, I see both sides. Artistic expression is vital, but social harmony is paramount. The compromise to change the title seems like a practical, middle-path solution. Hope the film is good!
K
Karthik V
Honestly, the original title was in poor taste. There are clever ways to make a point without being offensive. Bajpayee sir is a legend, but the makers should have been more careful. Jai Hind.

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