Mumbai’s entertainment scene is buzzing with controversy as Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’ faces a barrage of criticism over its provocative title. From political heavyweights to religious leaders, voices across India are uniting in condemnation, labeling the name as deeply offensive and a blatant attack on Hindu priests.
BJP MP and actor Manoj Tiwari has been vocal in his outrage. ‘It’s only natural for people to protest against a film titled ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’,’ he stated firmly. ‘No matter if you’re Brahmin, Thakur, or from any community, such derogatory terms have no place. India’s Constitution strictly prohibits casteist slurs against any group.’ Tiwari demanded strict action against the filmmakers if the title wounds community sentiments.
Adding fuel to the fire, spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam called the title nothing short of a sin. ‘Naming a movie ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’ is akin to committing a grave wrong,’ he asserted. He warned that targeting communities deliberately fractures society and accused certain elements of sowing division through caste-based narratives.
Even Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas has joined the chorus, advocating for a complete ban on films that single out religions or communities. ‘This cheap publicity stunt is shameful,’ he said, urging the government to halt the film’s release immediately. Abbas lamented the shift in Bollywood, where films once promoted positive messages and unity now stir hatred for mere buzz.
The backlash highlights a growing intolerance for content that mocks sacred professions like priesthood. As protests mount, the filmmakers face mounting pressure to reconsider the title before it hits theaters. This uproar underscores the fine line between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity in Indian cinema.