India, Feb. 6 -- Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued his first statement after his upcoming production, Ghooskhor Pandat, sparked backlash over its title, with many calling it defamatory to the Brahmin community. The filmmaker has defended the title, but apologised for the 'hurt' caused, adding that all promotional material has been taken down.

In a statement on social media, Pandey addressed the backlash the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer has received since its first look teaser was launched on Tuesday. "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 communi...