What Is Ghooskhor Pandat? All About Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey Netflix Film And Controversies

Manoj

Bajpayee’s much-anticipated reunion with Neeraj Pandey sent fans into a frenzy. Titled Ghooskhor Pandat, the Netflix film became a talking point immediately for many reasons. Announced at the What's Next On Netflix event in Mumbai on February 3, the crime thriller has some of the biggest names of Bollywood playing central roles. Within days of its official announcement, Ghooskhor Pandat landed in legal trouble. A section of the Brahmin community in India accused the film of triggering religious sentiments and making an attempt to tarnish its dignity and reputation due to the title. Ghooskhor in Hindi means corrupt, and Pandat is a slang word for Pandit, meaning priest.

About Ghooskhor Pandat

The teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled at the grand Netflix event in Mumbai amid cheers and claps for the blockbuster actor-filmmaker pairing. The loud applause was also for Manoj, who gets into the character of an unlawful cop. His character, named Ajay Dikshit, is a police officer and a criminal activity involving a young girl changes him. While the film’s date and detailed plot aren’t disclosed, backlash over its title sparked major changes.

FIRs lodged against Ghooskhor Pandat

The social media atmosphere saw a massive shift in temperature following the teaser premiere. Expressing anger over the use of Pandat along with Ghooskhor, generally perceived as a negative term, a section of the Brahmin community felt it was‘communally offensive’ and of ‘defamatory nature’. Multiple FIRs against the film and its makers have been filed at different police stations. The first FIR was filed in the Delhi High Court on the grounds of a deliberate association of ‘Pandat’ with corruption and bribery. A stay on its release was sought by Advocate Vineet Jindal, as the petitioner took objection over the content, which is alleged ‘communally offensive and defamatory nature’ and tarnishes the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community. Accusing the film of promoting "collective defamation and hate speech", the petitioner claimed it could disturb communal harmony and public order.

FIR in Lucknow

The latest FIR was filed based on Uttar Pradesh Chief MinisterYogi Adityanath’s order. It was lodged at the Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow. It names the film’s director and other members from the production team. The FIR was filed after multiple complaints from people claiming that they found it objectionable. Reportedly, Yogi Adityanath directed law enforcement officials to act in response to complaints.

Ghooskhor Pandat title not registered?

Amid the legal cases, Film Makers Combine alleged that the title was not granted by any of the Producers' Associations. FMC regulates publicity materials for IMPPA and WIFPA members, ensuring they align with Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines. In an official statement, the organisation warned Netflix of the illegal use of the title.

Neeraj Pandey reacts

Neeraj reacted to the controversy over Ghooskhor Pandat’s title and announced the decision to pull down the promotional content. In a statement, the writer and producer said, “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.”

Manoj Bajpayee's statement

Manoj, the lead actor of Ghooskhor Pandat, defended the film and clarified that the title doesn’t make a statement about any community. He further made an attempt to settle the situation by expressing concern over the sentiments of his fans. Netflix hasn’t announced the release date. In the past, Indian films have been through controversies over titles. However, with minor changes, the makers released them successfully in theatres and on OTT.