The controversy surrounding the upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-led project Ghooskhor Pandat has intensified, moving beyond online criticism to formal industry action, political protests and legal intervention.
What began as objections to the film’s title has now triggered demands for a ban, multiple FIRs and the removal of its promotional material from streaming platforms.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has taken a firm stand against the project, describing the title as “offensive and derogatory” and alleging that it unfairly targets a specific community and its traditional occupation. The union has written to producers and OTT platforms, urging them to halt the release, arguing that the wording of the title risks harming social harmony.
“FWICE is absolutely against making a mockery of any community,” said BN Tiwari, president of the union. “We are demanding not just a change of title but a ban on the film, because the intent is evident in the title itself. Such things may have been tolerated earlier, but they are unacceptable today.”
Tiwari further warned of industrial action if the project proceeds unchanged. “It is shocking that someone like Neeraj Pandey would make a film like this and that Manoj Bajpayee agreed to be part of it,” he said, adding that FWICE would issue a non-cooperation notice against the producers, director and cast. He also called for mandatory registration of OTT titles to avoid similar disputes in the future.
The dispute has also reached the courts. A writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the show’s proposed release, claiming that its title and promotional content are defamatory and communally sensitive. Parallelly, political protests have erupted in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with members of Brahmin organisations demanding a ban and accusing the project of targeting a particular community. In Uttar Pradesh, an FIR has been registered against the director, and effigies of the filmmakers and Bajpayee have been burnt at several locations.
At the centre of the row is the title Ghooskhor Pandat, which loosely translates to ‘Corrupt Pandit’. Critics argue that the use of the term ‘Pandat’, commonly associated with a Brahmin surname, reinforces negative stereotypes and is potentially offensive.
Responding to the backlash, Manoj Bajpayee addressed the issue on social media on Friday, acknowledging the concerns raised. “When something you are part of causes hurt, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote. He clarified that his decision to take on the project was based on the character’s arc and not intended as commentary on any community. He also stated that the makers had removed promotional material in view of public sentiment.
As the controversy grew, the Centre directed Netflix to take down the teaser and all promotional assets related to the project, citing allegations that the content was “hurtful and disrespectful” to a social group. The action followed political reactions, including statements from BJP leaders supporting the move.
A senior BJP leader told PTI, “Taking swift action in the matter, the Centre has asked Netflix to remove the teaser and all other promotional content of the film. Anything that is against any society is completely unacceptable.” BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia echoed this stance on X, saying, “We wholeheartedly commend the Centre’s swift and decisive action. Offensive content such as the derogatory film Ghooskhor Pandat has not only been removed from the platform, but an FIR has also been registered in the case.”
Director Neeraj Pandey, who is attached to the project along with Ritesh Shah, later issued a clarification on Instagram, stressing that the series is entirely fictional. “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,” he stated. The production team also maintained that the promotional content had been withdrawn voluntarily, even before the government directive.
Legal scrutiny continues to mount despite these clarifications. An FIR has been lodged at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow, while the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Film Makers Combine (FMC) has also objected to the use of the title, claiming it was never officially registered. In its notice, the FMC said, “As per our official records, you have not applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’… an unauthorised title that has neither been applied for nor granted cannot be used.”
The makers of the film, including Pandey and Shah, as well as the OTT platform, did not respond to queries till the time of going to press.
