Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat landed in controversy soon after being announced. The film, part of Netflix’s major slate reveal, features Bajpayee as a morally bankrupt police officer—someone who takes bribes without guilt or remorse. While the teaser only offers a brief glimpse into his dark world, the title alone has triggered widespread backlash.

Title Triggers Strong Opposition

The use of the word “Pandat” in the film’s title did not sit well with members of the Brahmin community, who called it offensive and defamatory. Soon after the announcement, a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking to stop the streaming of the film. The petition was submitted by Mahendra Chaturvedi through advocate Vineet Jindal, requesting a writ of mandamus against the authorities.

Neeraj Pandey Issues Official Clarification

In response to the growing controversy, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey released an official statement addressing the concerns. He clarified that the film is a fictional cop drama and that the word “Pandat” is used purely as a colloquial nickname for a fictional character.

“Our story focuses on the actions and choices of an individual and does not represent or comment on any caste, religion, or community,” Pandey stated. Emphasizing his responsibility as a storyteller, he added that the film was made with thoughtful intent and solely for audience entertainment.

Acknowledging the hurt sentiments, Pandey further announced that all promotional material has been temporarily withdrawn. “We believe the film should be watched in its entirety and understood as a complete narrative, rather than judged on isolated elements,” he said, expressing hope to present the film to audiences soon.

Netflix Served Legal Notice

The issue intensified after a Mumbai-based lawyer sent a legal notice to Netflix and the film’s directors. Advocate Ashutosh Dubey alleged that the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ is defamatory, unconstitutional, and socially provocative. According to the notice, associating corruption with the word Pandat amounts to a direct attack on the dignity of a historically respected community identity.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Character Under Scrutiny

The controversy gained momentum following the public launch of the film’s teaser. In the project, Manoj Bajpayee plays Senior Inspector Ajay Dixit, a disgraced Delhi police officer known by the nickname “Pandat.” The teaser reveals that Dixit joined the police force two decades ago as a sub-inspector and has remained stuck at the same rank—hinting at a career marred by corruption and controversy.

Demands for Title Change Grow Louder

The legal notice demands an immediate withdrawal or change of the film’s title, calling it inherently offensive due to its linkage of bribery and corruption with a term associated with cultural, religious, and intellectual respect.

As protests, petitions, and legal actions continue to mount, Ghooskhor Pandat now stands at the center of a heated debate—raising fresh questions about creative freedom, community sentiments, and responsibility in storytelling.