The controversy surrounding Ghooskhor Pandat, the upcoming Netflix film produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, has now taken a decisive turn in court. After facing intense backlash over its title, the makers informed the Delhi High Court that they have consciously decided to rename the film.
The dispute began soon after the title was announced, triggering widespread criticism on social media. Several users alleged that the name was defamatory towards the Brahmin community, arguing that combining the word “Ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat” perceived as a distortion of “Pandit” portrayed the community in a negative light. The backlash soon escalated beyond online debate.
Multiple FIRs were reportedly filed in different parts of the country objecting to the title. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also stepped in, demanding a ban on the film over concerns of hurting religious sentiments. The mounting pressure led to a petition being filed before the Delhi High Court, seeking intervention to prevent the film’s release under its existing name.
During the court proceedings, it was clarified that the decision to change the title was taken by the filmmakers themselves. The makers conveyed to the court that they had opted to revise the name in view of the objections and to prevent further controversy. After noting this submission, the Delhi High Court disposed of the matter.
The film, which is said to have a satirical theme, had initially drawn attention for its bold title. However, the debate over community representation quickly overshadowed discussions about its storyline. The new title has not yet been announced.
This episode once again underlines the complex balance between creative expression and cultural sensitivity in India’s entertainment industry. As legal scrutiny and public sentiment increasingly shape content decisions, filmmakers are often compelled to recalibrate their choices before release.
