Producer Neeraj Pandey took a “conscious decision” to rename the Manoj Vajpayee-starrer Ghoskhor Pandey film to better reflect its narrative and intent, leading streaming platform Netflix told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, citing concerns over the title.
Netflix told the court that the film is a reformed and fictional police drama. (PTI)Netflix’s lawyer, Rajeev Nair, told a bench of Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav that the film was a reformed fictional police drama, and the earlier title created an unintended obstacle that was not in keeping with the content of the film. He also said that the principal photography of the film has been completed and it is in the editing stage.
Mahendra Chaturvedi, who went to court seeking a stay on the film, claimed that the title defamed the Brahmin community by associating the word “Pandat” with corruption and bribery.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma submitted that the government was informed about Netflix’s statement and the producer confirmed that all promotional material related to the film has been removed.
Chaturvedi’s counsel Vineet Jindal said the court filed and disposed of the petition saying that his grievances have been resolved after the decision to change the title of the movie.
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“The Court appreciates the stand taken by respondent No. 2 and the steps taken by the Central Government. In view of this, nothing further is required to be adjudicated, and the petition is disposed of. The grievance of the petitioner is satisfied,” the court said.
A teaser of the film featuring Vajpayee as a corrupt police officer was unveiled at a Netflix event in Mumbai this week, sparking outrage over the pairing of the words “Pandat” (scholar) and “Ghuskhor” (bribery).
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a case to be registered against the filmmakers even though Pandey has apologized and withdrawn the teaser and promotional material.
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Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati demanded a ban on the film, saying it was unfortunate that the word “scholar” was being portrayed negatively in the movie. Vishwa Hindu Parishad called the film’s title unacceptable and an attack on a respected section of Hindu society.
