In a candid response to the ongoing backlash over his upcoming Netflix film, Manoj Bajpayee has voiced his frustration, stating that India has become a “very touchy nation.” The film, originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat (meaning “Corrupt Pandit”), has been at the center of a massive legal and social media firestorm since its announcement last week.
Bajpayee, who plays the lead role of a flawed police officer named Ajay Dikshit (colloquially called “Pandat”), expressed that the public is now “ready to blow their fuse and get personal and abusive at the drop of a hat.”
The Legal Settlement & Title Change
Following widespread protests and FIRs registered in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the matter reached the Delhi High Court. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Netflix and director Neeraj Pandey informed the court of a decisive resolution:
- Mandatory Retitling: Netflix has officially committed to changing the film’s title to an alternate name that “more accurately reflects the narrative and intent.”
- Content Removal: All existing promotional assets, including the controversial teaser, have been scrubbed from social media platforms.
- Court Disposal: Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the petition seeking a ban, noting that the makers’ voluntary decision to rename the project satisfied the grievances.
Why the Backlash?
The controversy ignited when the title was perceived as a direct attack on the Brahmin community.
- Community Grievance: Petitioners argued that associating the word “Pandat” with “Ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) perpetuated negative stereotypes and defamed a specific social group.
- Political Reaction: Figures such as BSP supremo Mayawati and several BJP leaders condemned the title, while the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) labeled it “totally unacceptable.”
- FWICE Demand: Despite the title change, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has demanded a pre-release screening for community leaders to ensure the narrative itself isn’t derogatory.
Bajpayee’s Defense
The actor clarified that the film is a fictional cop drama focused on an individual’s journey of self-realization rather than a commentary on any community. He noted that the project was originally just titled Pandat before the marketing team suggested the “catchier” (and eventually problematic) prefix.
The film, co-starring Nushrratt Bharuccha and Kiku Sharda, is still in post-production and is part of Netflix’s 2026 slate.