Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has addressed the controversy surrounding his upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat, by taking down all promotional materials, including the teaser featuring Manoj Bajpayee. The title drew sharp criticism for allegedly being defamatory to the Brahmin community, prompting swift action from the production team. In an official statement released on February 6, 2026, Pandey addressed the backlash while defending the project’s creative intent.
Pandey clarified that the film is a fictional cop drama, emphasising that “Pandat” serves as a colloquial nickname for the lead character, Ajay Dikshit, rather than a deliberate slight against any community. While acknowledging the hurt caused by the title, he urged audiences to reserve judgment until they could view the film in its entirety rather than forming opinions based on “partial glimpses.” The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity in Indian cinema.
Neeraj Pandey wrote in his statement, “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.” He also added that all the promotional content has pulled down from social media, adding, “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,” per India Today.
Manoj Bajpayee dropped a clarification after Yogi Adityanath ordered an FIR against him, stating, “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),” per India Today.
Recently, we also did an opinion piece on the same issue.
Ghooskhor Pandat and the Outrage Trap: A call to respond, not react
