Mumbai’s cinematic spotlight has turned contentious with the mounting backlash against Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’. Protests have erupted across India, decrying the title as a direct affront to the Brahmin community and devout Hindus. Leading the charge, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai labeled it a blatant insult, telling IANS that such naming conventions perpetuate harm against religious and social symbols.
Rai emphasized that this isn’t merely about a movie but a deeper societal malaise where specific communities are unfairly targeted. ‘When you drag an entire group into the dock by name, it sends a toxic message,’ he asserted, highlighting how current systems seem to relish mocking sacred traditions.
Echoing this sentiment, Congress leader Rakesh Sinha demanded immediate intervention from the censor board. ‘Entertainment should unite, not divide or wound sentiments,’ Sinha argued. He called for a title change to prevent social tensions, insisting that tarnishing a whole community through a film’s name is unacceptable.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput underscored the boundaries of artistic freedom. ‘Democracy thrives on expression, but not at the cost of hurting communities,’ he said. Rajput advocated for a fair probe to balance creators’ rights with societal harmony, ensuring no hate is fomented.
MP Pramod Tiwari reinforced that vices like greed belong to individuals, not castes. ‘Linking personal failings to community identity fractures society,’ he condemned, urging a rejection of such divisive rhetoric regardless of the group involved.
MP Sukhdev Bhagat wrapped up the chorus, stressing responsible freedom. ‘Say what you want, but spare the feelings,’ he noted, cautioning against using cultural idioms to demean specific castes. As the controversy simmers, the film industry faces scrutiny over how far provocation can stretch in the name of art.