Ghooskhor Pandat row: Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey clarify film's title controversy
Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and actor Manoj Bajpayee have issued a clarification regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the title of their upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat.
Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the title of his upcoming film, Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee. The film was recently announced by Netflix during the grand event 'Next on Netflix' and sparked attention as well as backlash due to its title, which some viewers found defamatory.
Addressing concerns, Pandey explained that the term "Pandat" is used as a colloquial name for a fictional character and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community.
Neeraj Pandey issues clarification over Ghooskhor Pandat title controversy
Taking to his Instagram handle on Friday, February 6, 2026, Pandey shared a post featuring an image with a note that read, "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. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility - to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences (sic)."
It also added, "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. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon (sic)."
FIR against Neeraj Pandey and team of Ghooskor Pandat
For the unversed, an FIR has been filed in the state capital Lucknow against the director and team of the Netflix's Ghooskhor Pandat. The FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station on charges of attempting to disrupt social harmony and hurting religious and caste sentiments.
Inspector Vikram Singh of Hazratganj stated that the FIR was lodged after taking note of social media content that could potentially offend caste sentiments and disrupt communal peace. The Lucknow Commissionerate stated that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's zero-tolerance policy, strict action will be taken against any elements that hurt the sentiments of any community or disrupt peace and order.
Manoj Bajpayee reacts after FIR against Neeraj Pandey and Ghooskor Pandat team
Reacting to the ongoing controversy around his upcoming film Ghooskor Pandat, The Family Man actor wrote on X, "I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen. As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community (sic)."
He further added, "In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films. The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material, in light of the public sentiment. This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken (sic)."
About Ghooskor Pandat
At the time of writing this, the film's first look teaser which was released on February 3, 2026, is not available on YouTube and Netflix India's social media platforms. The movie features an ensemble star cast which includes Manoj Bajpayee, Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta.