Ghooskhor Pandat Controversy Live: ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ echoed in Parliament, FMC surrounded after FIR

New Delhi. Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming web series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ is no longer a controversy limited to OTT only, but its echo has reached the Parliament. The matter became more heated after the FIR was registered in Uttar Pradesh, while the problems of the makers seem to be increasing due to the issue being raised in the Parliament also. After the FIR, FMC (Film Monitoring Committee) has also raised questions about the series and the demand for investigation of the content has intensified.

The crux of the controversy is the title of the series, in which there have been allegations of caste insult and stereotyping by associating the word ‘Briber’ with ‘Pandat’. After protests on social media, UP Police took action and registered a case at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow. It is alleged that this may spoil social harmony.

Let’s take a look at the latest developments in this controversy:

• In a special conversation with News-Patiala India on the ‘Bribery Pundit’ controversy, Gautam Buddha Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma said – ‘This is a big issue, we will plan and talk about it after coming out of the Parliament.’
• Advocate Vineet Jindal has said that it is very interesting to know why such controversial films are released on the OTT platform, regarding this I have put all the points in detail before the court in my petition. Now let us see what directions will be given in this matter on Monday.
• BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar has said that linking any caste with the subject of the Ghooskhor Pundit series means insulting. Bribery can be a problem, there is no objection in it but adding it to the society is condemnable and objectionable. Legal action should be taken against them.
• According to petitioner advocate Vineet Jindal, after advance notice on our petition in the Delhi High Court, film director Neeraj Pandey has announced the removal of the objectionable film name ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ and all the promotional materials related to it from all platforms.
• After the FIR was registered against the series, Neeraj Pandey clarified that it is a fictional police drama and it has no connection with any caste, religion or community. He also announced that at present all the promotional materials of the series have been removed.
• Neeraj Pandey said in his official statement, ‘Our film is completely a fictional cop drama. The word ‘Pandat’ has been used only as the name of a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s decisions and his actions, and not to comment on any caste, religion or community.’ He also added that as a filmmaker, he takes his responsibilities seriously and the aim of each of his creations is to provide thoughtful entertainment.
• Mumbai based organization FMC (Film Makers Combine) has issued a notice to Neeraj Pandey’s production house and Netflix ordering them not to use this title.
• Film Makers Combine (FMC) has adopted a strict stance in this matter. The organization has sent a notice to Neeraj Pandey’s production house Friday Story Tellers saying that the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ is not registered in their records. According to FMC, as per the rules, the title of any film can be used only if it is registered after due application and approval.
• FIR against ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ web series which disturbs harmony on the instructions of CM Yogi.
• Action under zero tolerance policy against those who play with social harmony and law and order.
• Hazratganj Police action on objectionable content aired on OTT platform, web series being aired on Netflix.