The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is calling for a total ban on the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, amid a growing controversy surrounding the film's title. The FWICE, representing 36 affiliated associations and thousands of workers, technicians, and artists in the media and entertainment industry, has expressed "serious concern" over the film's title, deeming it derogatory and potentially divisive.

In an official statement, the FWICE urged the withdrawal of the film's title, asserting that it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in an offensive manner. The federation argues that the title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disrupt social harmony. The FWICE emphasized that there should be no division in society based on caste, creed, religion, or profession, and that all professions deserve equal dignity and respect.

FWICE President B.N. Tiwari has strongly condemned the title, calling it unacceptable and asserting that insulting any community in the name of cinema cannot be tolerated. Tiwari stated that filmmakers who hurt religious sentiments have no right to make films and called for strict action, including a ban on the producers and streaming platforms that promote such content. He has also said that FWICE will not cooperate with the makers of the film.

The controversy has also reached the courts and political groups, with protests erupting in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has reportedly ordered the registration of an FIR against the director of the film over the title. Demonstrations have included the burning of effigies of the filmmakers and Manoj Bajpayee.

Religious leaders have also voiced their concerns. Mahant Sitaram Das Maharaj of Saket Bhawan Temple in Ayodhya stated that deliberately targeting a particular community and attaching an objectionable word to its name is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. He questioned why, if the filmmakers wanted to highlight social evils, they could not find individuals in other religions or communities to target. Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanuman Garhi questioned the role of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in clearing films that create conflict and division in society and said that the filmmakers should publicly apologize to the entire Brahmin community.

The FWICE has written to key producers' associations and major OTT platforms, raising concerns over titles that allegedly target a specific community. The federation believes that the film industry has a moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles do not promote hatred, disrespect, or unrest among citizens.