Neeraj Pandey clarifies Ghooskhor Pandat Is fictional amid FIR, NHRC notice over title

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey on Friday clarified that his upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat is a completely fictional story with no connection to any caste or community, following a wave of backlash over the film’s title that has led to official scrutiny and legal complaints.

The controversy erupted after the teaser and promotional material of the film were released earlier this week. Several social and religious groups objected to the title, claiming it was insensitive and offensive, as it appeared to associate the term “Pandat”, a colloquial form of “Pandit”, with corruption . Critics argued that such usage could hurt religious sentiments and promote negative stereotyping of a recognised social group.

Following multiple complaints, an FIR was registered at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow after local advocates and members of social organisations approached the authorities. According to official sources, the action was taken after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to examine the complaints and proceed as per law. The FIR names the makers of the film and alleges that the title could disturb social harmony.

The issue also reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after receiving a complaint alleging that the film’s title promotes negative stereotypes and vilifies a social group. The NHRC has sought a response from the ministry on the matter.

Responding to the backlash, Pandey said the title had unintentionally hurt a section of viewers and announced that all promotional materials, including the teaser, had been withdrawn temporarily. He stressed that Ghooskhor Pandat is a work of fiction and should not be seen as a reflection of any caste, religion or community.

The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, nicknamed “Pandat”, a corrupt police officer whose plans for a profitable night spiral out of control when he becomes entangled in a larger global conspiracy unfolding in Delhi. Pandey said the crime thriller focuses on the actions and moral choices of an individual character rather than any social group.

Promotional posters and videos had depicted Bajpayee’s character as a morally compromised cop involved in corruption and high-stakes action, with the character’s nickname becoming the focal point of the controversy.

Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced under the banner of Friday Filmworks, the project was announced by Netflix earlier this week. Pandey reiterated that the film was made solely for entertainment and urged audiences to judge it only after watching the complete story in its proper context.

The controversy has once again sparked debate over creative freedom and sensitivity in cinema and OTT content, with the film’s future promotional strategy and release timeline now likely to depend on the outcome of the legal and administrative processes.