'Ghooskhor Pandat' row: 'Does not comment on or represent any caste,' says Neeraj Pandey

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and actor Manoj Bajpayee have issued a statement clarifying that the title of their upcoming Netflix feature Ghooskhor Pandat has nothing to do with a caste/community.

In an official statement, Pandey said the film is a fictional cop drama and the term "Pandat" has been used in the film as a colloquial name for a fictional character (played by Bajpayee). "The story focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility - to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful," he added.

The film's title, Ghooskhor Pandat, caused heated discussions right after the release of the teaser by Netflix as part of its long list of announcements pertaining to upcoming releases. The "pandat" in the title was interpreted as derogatory by a section of netizens, arguing that the word Pandat (a colloquial form of Pandit) was being used to target a certain caste and that association was being made with the caste name and corruption in the form of Bajpayee's supposedly dubious characater. 

Bajpayee in his statement said,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 portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community.

In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films."

The Gangs of Wasseypur and Family Man actor also added that decisions have been made to pull down the promos. "This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken," he shared.