Protests took place across India on Friday against Netflix’s film ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’. Protestors burnt effigies of the film’s producer, director and actors at Subhash Chowk in Prayagraj. The protesters also demanded a ban on OTT platforms.
The protesters alleged that the film was made with the intention of targeting Hindus and Brahmins, which will not be tolerated at any cost. The protesters made it clear that if the name and content of the film was not changed within three days, protests would be held in Prayagraj and across the country. Meanwhile, the Brahmin community in Indore protested against Netflix’s upcoming film and burnt effigies of the streaming service and Manoj Bajpayee, who starred in the film. Parshuram Sena burnt these effigies at Malwa Mill Chowk.
One protester warned that lead actor Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey would face strong opposition from the public if their demands were not met. He said, “We oppose this film; it should be banned, otherwise Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey’s faces will be blackened. We demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Censor Board to ban this film.” Earlier on Friday, an FIR was lodged against Neeraj Pandey and his production team at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow.
According to police officials, this action has been taken following complaints alleging that the title and content of ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’ hurts religious and caste sentiments and may disturb public harmony. Inspector Vikram Singh, Station House Officer, Kotwali Hazratganj, initiated formal action after taking cognizance of the complaints. Police reported that there is widespread anger and dissatisfaction among the Brahmin community and members of various social organisations, and some groups have even warned of aggressive protests.
Expressing concern over law and order, officials said strict action would be taken against any attempt to hurt community sentiments or disturb public peace. Further legal proceedings and investigation are ongoing. Parallel legal action is also underway in the capital Delhi, where a writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court to stay the release and streaming of ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’. The petition, filed by Mahendra Chaturvedi through advocate Vineet Jindal, alleges that the title and the proposed content are defamatory and communally objectionable.
The petition argues that associating the word ‘Pandit’ with corruption offends the dignity of the Brahmin community and violates fundamental rights, while acknowledging that freedom of expression is subject to reasonable restrictions. Actor Manoj Bajpayee has also broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his upcoming web series ‘Ghushkhor Pandit’, as the project faces legal action and public opposition over its title.
On his official Bajpayee also expressed confidence in filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and appreciated the “consistent seriousness and caution” in the director’s storytelling style.