Mumbai: Makers of Manoj Bajpayee-starrer ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ have decided to change the title of the film following significant public backlash.
OTT giant Netflix on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that the producers have taken a “conscious decision” to rename the film, while addressing concerns over its original title that was considered offensive and potentially defamatory for allegedly linking “Ghooskhor” (bribe-taker or corrupt person) with “Pandat” (a colloquial term for “Pandit,” often associated with the Brahmin community).
Netflix further added that the new title of the film would reflect the project’s story and intent in a much better way.
The controversy erupted shortly after the film’s teaser was released earlier in this month. Social media users and activists accused the title of c
arrying casteist undertones by implying corruption tied to a specific community. The backlash quickly escalated with members of Brahmin organisations demanding a ban on the film. Effigies of the filmmaker and lead actor Manoj were burnt at several locations in Uttar Pradesh, and an FIR has been registered against them.
UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, criticising the film industry over the issue, said the manner in which the Brahmin community was being targeted was “highly reprehensible” and stated that such films should not be released.
A petition was also filed in Delhi HC, seeking a stay on the film’s release. Petitioner Mahender Chaturvedi, an acharya by vocation, claimed that the “malicious” association of “pandat” with corruption and bribery was an attack on the reputation and dignity of his community.
Responding to the backlash, Manoj wrote on his X handle, “When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen,” while adding that his role focused on portraying “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation.”
Director Neeraj Pandey also clarified that the film is entirely fictional and doesn’t intend to target any caste or religious group.