The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has strongly objected to the title “Ghooskhor Pandat,” calling it offensive and derogatory, and has urged producer bodies and OTT platforms not to allow the registration or continuation of such titles.
In letters sent to the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India, Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film and TV Producers’ Association (WIFPA), and major OTT platforms, FWICE said the title appears to target a particular community and its traditional livelihood in a manner that could hurt sentiments and disturb social harmony.
The federation, representing 36 affiliated associations of workers, technicians and artists, also advised filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and his production house Friday Filmworks to withdraw the title immediately in the interest of unity and social harmony. It further warned that if corrective action is not taken, FWICE may ask its members and affiliated associations to distance themselves from the producer’s projects.
The controversy revolves around the title’s alleged reference to a community surname, which critics say may reinforce stereotypes. Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is associated with the upcoming web series, said he respects the sentiments of those who felt hurt and clarified that the story focuses on a flawed individual’s journey and is not intended to target any community.