An upcoming Netflix release, ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, starring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, has landed in the middle of a major political and social controversy in Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Adityanath-led government on Friday ordered the registration of an FIR against the film’s director, Neeraj Pandey, citing concerns that the title could disturb communal harmony and hurt caste sentiments.
In a parallel move, the Centre directed Netflix to remove the film’s trailer from its streaming platform. The development follows mounting protests and objections over the film’s title, which critics allege targets the Brahmin community.
The controversy escalated quickly, with caste-based allegations being levelled against Pandey, who himself belongs to the Brahmin community.
FIR Filed Against Neeraj Pandey: Charges and Government’s Stand
The FIR has been registered at Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station under charges related to attempting to spread social discord, hurting religious and caste sentiments, and disturbing public peace and law and order.
According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, there has been “widespread anger” among the Brahmin community and several social organisations regarding the film’s name and its perceived implications. Authorities said they received warnings of aggressive protests if the film or its promotional content continued to circulate, prompting swift action to prevent a possible law and order situation.
The FIR has been filed against Neeraj Pandey and members of his team, considering the “sensitive nature” of the matter, the government added.
What Police Said About the ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Controversy
In an official press note, police stated that, prima facie, the director and his team appeared to have promoted the film with the intent to spread social discord and disrupt communal harmony.
The complaint was filed by Hazratganj police station SHO Vikram Singh, who said the FIR specifically mentions caste-based insult. According to the police, the film’s title seems to have been deliberately chosen to target and insult a particular community—namely Brahmins.
Police clarified that further action will depend on evidence collected during the investigation, including promotional content and applicable legal provisions.
Film Industry Body Issues Notice
The film has also drawn objections from within the industry. A Mumbai-based organisation, Film Makers Combine (FMC), issued a notice to the film’s production house and Netflix, urging them to exercise restraint in the use of the title and reconsider its potential social impact.
Mayawati Demands Ban on ‘Caste-Targeting’ Films
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati strongly backed the FIR and went a step further by demanding a ban on films that allegedly target specific castes.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati said it was deeply concerning that the term “Pandit” was increasingly being portrayed as synonymous with bribery and corruption, both in Uttar Pradesh and now in cinema.
“This insults and disrespects the entire community across the country and has caused intense anger and resentment within the Brahmin community,” she wrote.
The BSP chief called on the central government to immediately ban caste-targeting films and web series like ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’, adding that the FIR filed by Lucknow Police was an appropriate and necessary step.
Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey Respond to Backlash
Amid the growing uproar, actor Manoj Bajpayee broke his silence, stating that the film was never intended as a commentary on any community.
“This was not meant to be a statement about any community,” Bajpayee wrote on X. “In light of public sentiment, the filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material.”
Director Neeraj Pandey also issued a clarification, describing the film as a fictional cop drama. He explained that the term “Pandat” was used purely as a colloquial name for a fictional character and not as a reference to any real community.
“As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility,” Pandey wrote. “We understand that the title has caused hurt to some viewers and have decided to take down all promotional material for the time being.”