Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his upcoming Netflix film, 'Ghooskhor Pandat,' following a writ petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on its release. The petition alleges that the film's title and promotional content are offensive and defamatory towards the Brahmin community.
Pandey's Clarification on 'Pandat' In a detailed statement, Neeraj Pandey clarified the intended meaning of the term "Pandat" in the film. He asserted that 'Ghooskhor Pandat' is a fictional cop drama and that "Pandat" is merely a colloquial nickname for a fictional character, not a reference to any specific caste, religion, or community.
• Fictional Context: "Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character," Pandey stated.
• Individual Focus: He emphasized that the story centers on an individual's actions and choices, steering clear of any commentary on broader social groups.
Commitment to Responsible Storytelling Pandey highlighted his approach to filmmaking with a deep sense of responsibility. He affirmed that the film was created with sincere intent, solely for entertainment purposes, aligning with his past work which aims to be thoughtful and respectful.
Acknowledging Concerns & Action Taken Understanding that the film's title has caused hurt to a section of viewers, Pandey acknowledged these feelings. In response to the concerns, the production team has made a significant decision:
• Promotional Material Removed: "We have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being."
• Full Context Encouraged: This decision was made so that the film can be experienced in its entirety and understood within the context of the story, rather than being judged on partial glimpses.
The Legal Challenge Filed on February 5, 2026, by Mahender Chaturvedi, the writ petition seeks to halt the film's release and streaming. The plea argues that associating the term "Pandat"—traditionally linked with scholarship and spirituality—with corruption harms the dignity of the Brahmin community. Concerns about collective defamation and communal harmony have also been raised.
About 'Ghooskhor Pandat' The film, which features Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role as a police officer nicknamed "Pandat," was announced as part of Netflix's 2026 content slate. While Neeraj Pandey looks forward to sharing the film with audiences, Netflix India and the streaming platform have yet to issue a separate response to the ongoing petition.
