A storm of protests is sweeping India against the title of Manoj Bajpayee’s new movie ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’, with prominent figures from politics, spirituality, and clergy decrying it as a direct insult to pandits and Hindu traditions. The controversy, gaining steam in Mumbai, threatens to derail the film’s promotional campaign.
Leading the charge is BJP parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari, who doubled down on his stance. ‘Such a title is unacceptable across castes and communities,’ he remarked. Emphasizing constitutional protections, Tiwari insisted that hurting feelings through cinema warrants severe repercussions for producers.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam didn’t mince words, equating the film’s name to a moral transgression. ‘This is a sin that aims to divide society by targeting specific groups,’ he declared. He pointed to a pattern of divisive content designed to exploit caste fault lines for gain.
Shia religious authority Maulana Saif Abbas echoed these sentiments, calling for outright censorship. ‘Films like this poison national harmony under the guise of entertainment,’ he argued. Recalling cinema’s noble past of fostering brotherhood, Abbas demanded swift governmental intervention to ban the project and prevent further discord.
This unified front against ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’ signals a broader cultural pushback. Industry watchers speculate if the title change could salvage the film or if the damage is irreversible. With social media amplifying the anger, Bollywood is reminded of its responsibility to unite rather than divide.