Amid FIR row, Neeraj Pandey halts promotions of Manoj Bajpayee’s Ghooskhor Pandat

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has broken his silence after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the registration of an FIR against the makers of Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming web series Ghooskhor Pandat.

The controversy erupted over the show’s title and promotional material, which faced backlash over alleged caste-related insensitivity. In an official statement, Pandey clarified that the series is a work of fiction and does not target or portray any caste, religion or community.

“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used purely as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community,” the statement said.

Acknowledging that some viewers were hurt by the title, Pandey said the makers have decided to temporarily withdraw all promotional material.

“We genuinely acknowledge the sentiments expressed by sections of the audience. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being. We believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story, rather than judged on partial glimpses,” he added, stressing that the intent of the series is purely to entertain.

FIR registered in Lucknow

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict legal action against Netflix and the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat, following which an FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow. Police said the case was lodged after the trailer sparked widespread objections on social media.

According to officials, the FIR relates to allegations that the content hurts religious and caste sentiments and could disturb public order. The case has been registered against the director and other members of the production team under relevant sections of the law.

Police stated that the complaint was filed by Hazratganj SHO Vikram Singh after online reactions to the trailer intensified. Authorities claimed the content allegedly promotes caste-based humiliation and posed a risk of escalating social tension.

How the controversy began

The row began after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled during Netflix’s ‘Next on Netflix’ event earlier this month. Objections centred on the title, which combines the word “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat”, a colloquial form of “Pandit”.

Several groups alleged that the title amounts to casteist stereotyping and collective defamation of the Brahmin community. The backlash soon escalated into protests in cities including Bhopal, legal notices to Netflix and the makers, and multiple court petitions.

A writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court has sought a stay on the release of the series, arguing that the title and portrayal could disrupt social harmony and violate laws related to hate speech.