Netflix kicked off 2026 with a slew of new projects, including trailers and first looks, signalling a big year ahead for streaming content. Among the highlights was Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee in a very different avatar from his popular spy roles in The Family Man.
In this Netflix film, Manoj Bajpayee plays a corrupt police officer, Inspector Ajay Dixit, also known as Pandat, whose long career is marred by misconduct and lack of promotions.
While the premise intrigued viewers, the film quickly became controversial due to its title. Several social media users and complainants argued that Ghooskhor Pandat unfairly targets the Brahmin community and could reinforce negative stereotypes. The backlash intensified soon after Netflix released the first look video of the film.
Ghooskhor Pandat Title Sparks Controversy
The objections centre on the term used in the film’s title, which critics say is casteist and offensive. Many users on social media called for Netflix to change the title immediately, warning of potential boycotts if the issue is not addressed.
Reports suggest that formal complaints have been lodged across India against Netflix India. The complainants argue that the title could hurt the sentiments of a particular community and may normalise prejudice. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reportedly taken note, and the matter could be reviewed under existing broadcasting and content regulations.
So far, neither Netflix India nor the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat have officially responded to the allegations. Manoj Bajpayee, the lead actor, has also not commented on the controversy.
About Ghooskhor Pandat: Plot and Release
The makers describe Ghooskhor Pandat as a one-night thriller. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the story follows the morally corrupt Inspector Ajay Dixit, whose routine is disrupted when a girl is thrown out of a moving car. Dixit accompanies her to the hospital, triggering a series of events that spiral out of his control. The film is set entirely in Delhi and promises an intense, fast-paced narrative unfolding over a single night.
While the controversy surrounds the title, the plot itself has generated interest, with fans curious to see Bajpayee in a morally ambiguous role. The exact release date of the film is yet to be announced
