Manoj Bajpayee and the team behind the upcoming Netflix drama, Ghooskhor Pandat, received positive news when the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition aimed at prohibiting the film’s release. This ruling follows the producers’ announcement that they will be changing the film’s title due to growing concerns.
During proceedings before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, it was revealed that the film’s producers, alongside Netflix, had made a deliberate choice to alter the title to better reflect the film’s narrative and intent, amid claims that the original title was ‘offensive’ and ‘defamatory.’
Justice Kaurav noted, ‘The producer has taken a conscious decision in light of the concern that has arisen to change the title of the film from Ghooskhor Pandat to an alternate title.’ Netflix’s legal representatives clarified that the film, currently in the editing phase, is a fictional police drama and that the title had caused ‘unintended interruptions’ that did not match the film’s actual content. They also mentioned that all marketing materials related to the film have been removed. Consequently, the court concluded the case, stating that ‘nothing more was required to be adjudicated.’
The controversy began when Netflix announced the film, directed by Neeraj Pandey, earlier this month, igniting a wave of criticism on social media, with many labeling the title as ‘casteist’ and offensive. A significant backlash ensued, with users accusing the film of being derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Several FIRs were filed seeking to halt the film’s release, and a writ petition was submitted to the Delhi High Court, alleging that the title and promotional materials were defamatory and sensitive to communal sentiments. Additionally, protests erupted in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, led by members of Brahmin organizations demanding a ban on the film and alleging that it targeted their community. In Uttar Pradesh, an FIR was lodged against the director, and effigies of both the filmmakers and Manoj Bajpayee were burned in various locations.