Manoj Bajpayee's upcoming Netflix film, initially titled "Ghooskhor Pandat," is set to get a new title following widespread backlash and legal challenges. The Delhi High Court addressed a petition seeking to halt the film's release but dismissed it after Netflix confirmed the title would be changed.
The controversy began shortly after the teaser release, with "Ghooskhor Pandat" sparking outrage on social media. The film's title, combining "Ghooskhor" (a slang term for bribe-taker) with "Pandat" (a variation of "Pandit," commonly associated with Brahmins), was accused of being casteist and disrespectful to a particular community. Social media users called for boycotts and demanded a title change, with many expressing that the title was blatant defamation targeting Brahmins.
As the controversy escalated, Netflix removed the teaser and all promotional material for "Ghooskhor Pandat" from its platforms. Director-producer Neeraj Pandey and actor Manoj Bajpayee addressed the situation publicly, acknowledging the hurt feelings and explaining their decision to pause promotion. Neeraj Pandey posted a note on Instagram regarding the matter.
The unrest also led to protests across several cities by members of the Brahmin community, demanding a change in the film's title. In Bhopal, protesters from the Akhil Bhartiya Brahmin Samaj held placards criticizing the filmmakers and Netflix. Effigies of Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee were burned in Prayagraj by members of the Rashtriya Parshuram Sena.
Legal action against the film included an FIR registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow against the filmmakers, alleging that the title hurt religious and caste sentiments. The complaint named Neeraj Pandey and his team. Advocate Mahender Chaturvedi also filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film's release, arguing that the title was communally offensive.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after receiving a complaint that the title "promotes negative stereotypes" and "vilifies a recognized social group". The Film Makers Combine (FMC), a Mumbai-based organization, also raised objections and issued a notice to the production house, stating that the title "Ghooskhor Pandat" was not registered with them and that using an unauthorized title goes against their rules.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also strongly objected to the title, stating that it might disrupt social harmony and unity. FWICE sent letters to Netflix and other OTT platforms, as well as industry organizations, urging them to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative and capable of creating unrest.
The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat, a corrupt police officer caught in a global conspiracy in Delhi. The film is directed by Ritesh Shah, who also penned the story with Neeraj Pandey and is produced by Neeraj's banner, Friday Filmworks.