Mumbai’s film industry is in turmoil over the controversial title of Neeraj Pandey’s upcoming film ‘Ghoosakhor Pandit’. Protests have erupted across communities, forcing producers to pull all promotional material from OTT platforms amid widespread backlash.
BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has joined the chorus of dissent. In an exclusive interview, Tiwari not only condemned the film’s provocative title but also urged OTT giants like Netflix to implement stricter censorship measures. ‘Titles that target and defame entire communities like Brahmins cannot be tolerated,’ he asserted.
Tiwari didn’t stop there. He linked the controversy to broader security concerns plaguing Mumbai’s elite circles, referencing the recent shooting outside director Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. ‘First, there were repeated threats to Salman Khan with no clear resolution. Now, gunshots in a high-security area like Juhu? Mumbai Police must step up,’ he criticized, slamming the government for prioritizing elections over citizen safety.
‘Our federation is gearing up for action. We’ll soon meet the Labor Minister to demand ironclad security for artists. If Mumbai isn’t safe, where is?’ Tiwari warned. He emphasized that social media has amplified the impact of such insensitive content, calling on filmmakers to exercise responsibility.
The row highlights a growing tension between creative freedom and communal sensitivities in Indian cinema. As protests intensify, the film industry braces for potential stricter regulations on OTT content, signaling a new era of accountability.