Manoj Bajpayee's upcoming Netflix film, Ghooskhor Pandat, has ignited a controversy surrounding its title, with accusations that it defames the Brahmin community. The film, which features Bajpayee as a corrupt police officer named Ajay Dixit, known as "Pandat," has drawn criticism for what many perceive as a casteist slur.
The uproar began shortly after the teaser was unveiled on February 3, 2026, as part of Netflix India's 2026 lineup announcement. Social media platforms were flooded with condemnations, with users expressing outrage over the title's use of "Pandat," which they believe unfairly associates the Brahmin community with corruption. Many have interpreted the title, which literally translates to "Corrupt Priest," as a direct attack on Brahmins and their identity. Critics argue that the film perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reminiscent of how Indian cinema has historically portrayed Brahmins and priestly characters as cunning and selfish.
The backlash has extended beyond social media, with calls for a boycott of the film unless the title is changed. Some users have threatened to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, while others are urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take action. A social media page called "Gems of Bollywood" claims to have formally filed a complaint against Netflix, alleging that the title is deeply offensive and casteist. The page further accuses the filmmakers of collectively vilifying a recognized social group and encouraging social hostility by legitimizing prejudice.
Adding to the legal woes, advocate Vineet Jindal has reportedly filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film's release. The petitioner argues that the title is defamatory, deliberately associating a respected religious and social designation with corruption and bribery, thereby maligning the reputation of the Brahmin community. The petition claims that the filmmakers have violated Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India, as the title selectively targets a particular religious community. Mumbai-based advocate Ashutosh Dubey has also sent a legal notice to Netflix and the film's makers, demanding the title's immediate withdrawal, describing it as "defamatory, community vilifying, unconstitutional, and socially incendiary". Dubey argues that pairing a term associated with bribery with "Pandit," which represents scholarship, spiritual authority, ethical conduct, and social respect, unfairly links criminality and moral depravity to a respected community identity and that corruption is an individual failing, not a community trait.
Amidst the controversy, many are questioning why the film couldn't simply be titled Ghooskhor without the community identifier. Some have pointed out the hypocrisy, asking if a similar title like "Ghooskhor Dalit" or "Ghooskhor Muslim" would be acceptable.
As of February 5, 2026, Netflix and the film's producers have not issued an official statement addressing the controversy or indicating any potential changes to the title. The film is directed by Ritesh Shah and presented by Neeraj Pandey, and it features Nushrat Bharuchha, Saqib Saleem, Kiku Sharda, Divya Dutta, Akshay Oberoi, and Shraddha Das alongside Manoj Bajpayee.