Mumbai (IANS): The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has registered a strong objection to the title of the upcoming streaming film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’. On Friday, the organization that represents 36 affiliated associations and members comprising workers, technicians, and artists of the media and entertainment industry, wrote to different OTT platforms to address the issue.
They wrote, “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”.
The film stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role and has been produced by Neeraj Pandey under his banner Friday Filmworks. On the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Lucknow’s Hazratganj Police has registered an FIR against the forthcoming web series “Ghoooskhor Pandat”. According to Lucknow Police, strict action has been taken following allegations that the content attempts to disturb social harmony and hurt religious and caste sentiments.
Due to the name and content of the film, there is intense anger and outrage among the Brahmin community and various social organizations. These organizations have even warned of aggressive protests against the drama.
“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. FWICE strongly condemns the registration of the said title and advises Neeraj Pandey and his production house Friday Filmworks to withdraw the same with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity,” FWICE stated.
FWICE has said that the failure to comply will result in its affiliated associations and its members distancing themselves from any project of the producer. The row erupted after social media users slammed the title of the film for its “defamatory” overtones. A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court against the film, alleging that its title is derogatory towards the Brahmin community.
