Ever since its title and teaser were unveiled earlier this week (at the What’s Next On Netflix event), Neeraj Pandey’s Ghooskhor Pandat – starring Manoj Bajpayee has been in the headlines for all the wrong reason. While the teaser depicts Manoj as a morally compromised police officer embroiled in corruption and conspiracy, the film’s title has earned the film fierce online backlash.
Several social media users dubbed the title as casteist and accusing the makers of targeting a specific community. While makers have released statements in regards to the same, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has also shared a strong message demanding the makers drop the title – Ghooskhor Pandat. Scroll below to read their full statement.
FWICE Objects To Ghooskhor Pandat’s Title
In a written letter written to the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India (PGI), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) and Western India Film and TV Producers’ Association (WIFPA), as well as OTT platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 and Sony Liv, FWICE expressed concern that the title allegedly targets a particular community and its traditional livelihood in a derogatory manner.
Hello @NetflixIndiaYou given name Ghooskhor Pandit, do you have guts to put Ghooskhor muslim on any of your webseries?
Remove this title or be ready to face mass boycott of netflix pic.twitter.com/MmbzB16Kk2
— Voice of Hindus (@Warlock_Shubh) February 4, 2026
Their letter read, “The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing 36 affiliated associations and scores of members comprising workers, technicians, and artists of the media and entertainment industry, writes to you with serious concern regarding a controversial film being produced under the title Ghuskhor Pandat by Mr Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks.”
IThe statement further read, “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.”
FWICE: Refrain From Registration Of Film Titles That Are Provocative In Nature
in a formal communication, the FWICE also urged the above-mentioned platforms to avoid registering or continuing with titles it considers provocative or offensive. They noted, “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.”
Absolutely shameful, picked a community who is soft target to peddle their bigotry
Change it now or face ban pic.twitter.com/UjNxuo6xv7
— Muji Dakait مجی ڈکیت (@mujifren) February 3, 2026
Reiterating its stance and advised filmmaker Neeraj Pandey to withdraw the title with immediate effect in the interest of social unity, FWICE added, “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. FWICE strongly condemns the registration of the said title and advises Mr Neeraj Pandey and his production house, Friday Filmworks, to withdraw the same with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity.”
The organisation also warned that it may ask its members to disengage from the producer’s future projects if corrective steps are not taken. They noted, “Please note that if the needful is not done forthwith, FWICE shall be compelled to advise all its affiliated associations and its scores of members to distance themselves from any project of the said producer. We trust that you will appreciate the seriousness of this matter and take appropriate corrective action in the interest of the industry and society at large.”
About Ghooskhor Pandat
Starring Manoj Bajpayee, Ghooskhor Pandat centres on Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat—a corrupt police officer. In the show, his plans for a lucrative night are thrown into chaos when he becomes entangled in a global conspiracy unfolding in Delhi.
Following the backlash and the debate escalating, the Centre directed Netflix to remove the teaser and all promotional material related to Ghooskhor Pandat. Political leaders also weighed in, calling for the removal of the film’s marketing. Several FIRs has been also been registered against the makers. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting following this backlash. The Film Makers Combine (FMC) has also objected to the use of the title, claiming it was unauthorised.
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… https://t.co/IGlQtLQeNs
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) February 6, 2026
Manoj Bajpayee, who stars in the upcoming series, addressed the backlash on his official X handle. Acknowledging the concerns, he wrote, “When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” while clarifying that his role focuses on “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.” In his tweet, he underlined that the character-driven cop drama was not meant as a social or community statement and expressed confidence in Neeraj Pandey’s “consistent seriousness and care” in storytelling.
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Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee Breaks Silence On Neeraj Pandey’s Ghooskhor Pandat Title Controversy; Says, “It’s Not A Statement On Any Community”
The post FWICE Warns Industry Boycott Of Neeraj Pandey If Ghooskhor Pandat’s Title Is Not Changed; States, “It Can Hurt Sentiments, Disturb Social Harmony” appeared first on Bollywood Bubble.
