Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to take strict legal action against Netflix and the makers of the upcoming web film Ghooskhor Pandat, which stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. Following CM’s orders, an FIR was registered in Lucknow over allegations that the movie’s content insults the Brahmin community and poses a threat to social harmony.

According to the police, the case was registered following numerous objections to the film’s teaser after it went viral on social media. Reacting to the ongoing controversy, director Neeraj Pandey has now issued an official statement.

He mentioned that the film is fictional cop drama and it is in no way related to any caste. The official statement from Neeraj Pandey reads, “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community.”

The director further added, “We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses.”