4 minutes of readingNew DelhiFebruary 6, 2026 11:16 am
the next Netflix movie Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee, is in the middle of a controversy over its title. On Friday, director Neeraj Pandey shared a statement acknowledging that the title had harmed some viewers and, in light of those concerns, they were pulling promotional materials for the film.
Neeraj Pandey removes promotional materials for Ghooskhor Pandat
Neeraj Pandey shared on Instagram: “Our film is a fictional police drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is simply used as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on the actions and choices of an individual and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community… We understand that the title of the film has caused pain to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to withdraw all promotional material for the time being, as we believe that the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judging it by partial glimpses. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.”
FIR against Neeraj Pandey in Lucknow
According to ANI, an FIR was registered at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow against the creators of the title over accusations that it “represents religion and caste sentiments.” According to the report, the police said that prima facie the title insults a particular community by associating the term ‘Pandat’ with corruption.
The Lucknow FIR was registered under relevant sections against the film’s director Neeraj Pandey and his team. The police stated that they have a zero-tolerance policy against any attempt to hurt sentiments and disturb the peace of the area.
Written Petition in Delhi High Court
A writ petition has also been filed before that. Delhi The High Court, according to PTI, seeks a stay on the release of the Netflix film. The petition has been filed by Mahender Chaturvedi through lawyer Vineet Jindal, alleging that the title is offensive to the community.
The CNDH issues a notice to the Ministry of I&B
According to a PTI report, India’s National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after a complaint about the title saying it “promotes negative stereotypes” and “vilifies a recognized social group.” The report states that the complainant, Sanjeev Newar, founder of ‘Gems of Bollywood’, has alleged that the film contains “discriminatory and casteist content”. He filed the complaint with the NHRC on February 3. He stated that promoting this title “reflects great insensitivity and disregard for the social fabric of India.”
FMC claims use of title ‘unauthorized’
Meanwhile, FMC (Film Makers Combine), a Bombayorganization based in Germany, has filed an objection against the film’s title. In a notice issued to the production house, FMC stated, according to ANI, “You are a genuine member of IMPPA. As per our official record, you have not even applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat. As per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine, you cannot use the title which is not authorized and has not even been applied or granted.”
They also issued a notice to Netflix which read, “We wish to inform you that you are releasing a movie ‘Ghooskhor Pandat produced by Mr. Neeraj Pandey of Friday Story Tellers LLP on your esteemed Netflix channel. The title of the movie ‘Ghooskhor Pandat has not been applied or given by any of the producer associations. Unauthorized use of the title is illegal as per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine.”