Title Change for Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ After Religious Outcry

Following a week of intense backlash and legal challenges, Netflix has informed the Delhi High Court that it will change the title of its upcoming film starring Manoj Bajpayee. The announcement came on February 10, 2026, during the hearing of a plea that sought a stay on the film’s release.

The court subsequently disposed of the petition, noting that the primary grievance regarding the offensive title had been resolved by the streaming giant’s commitment to rename the project.

The Controversy: “Defamation of a Community”

The film, originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat (Bribe-taking Pandit), was announced during Netflix’s 2026 slate launch.

• The Allegation: Petitioners, including Acharya Mahender Chaturvedi, argued that the title was “communally offensive” and “defamatory.” They alleged that pairing the sacred term “Pandat” (Pandit) with “Ghooskhor” (corrupt/bribe-taker) vilified the Brahmin community and promoted negative stereotypes.
• Political Heat: The controversy quickly escalated in Uttar Pradesh, where the Yogi Adityanath government ordered an FIR against director Neeraj Pandey for “attempting to spread social discord.”
• National Notice: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, citing concerns over “negative stereotypes” on OTT platforms.

Manoj Bajpayee Breaks Silence

Leading man Manoj Bajpayee issued a thoughtful statement on social media, clarifying that the film was never intended to be a commentary on any caste.

“I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared… 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.”

Director Neeraj Pandey added that the word “Pandat” was used merely as a “colloquial name for a fictional character” and not as a religious identifier.

Current Status of the Film

• Promotions Halted: Netflix has already pulled down all promotional assets and teasers for the film from social media.
• New Title: While a name change is confirmed, the new title has not yet been revealed.
• Plot: The film follows Ajay Dikshit (played by Bajpayee), a corrupt police officer whose life takes a dramatic turn during a global conspiracy in Delhi.

Timeline of the Row (Feb 2026)