The controversy surrounding Netflix’s upcoming original film Ghooskhor Pandat has grown, drawing strong political reactions and official action. Senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur has publicly supported the Centre’s decision to ask Netflix to remove the film’s teaser and all promotional material.
The government’s move came after widespread outrage over the film’s title, which many called offensive. According to supporters of the decision, the step was necessary to protect social harmony and prevent communities from being stereotyped for commercial benefit.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued formal instructions to Netflix, asking the streaming giant to take down the teaser. Soon after, Anurag Thakur backed the move and made it clear that content which disrespects any religious or social group will not be accepted.
Thakur said the Modi government respects all sections of society and stands firmly for the dignity of every community. He stressed that any attempt to insult or defame a group (including the Brahmin community) crosses a red line. According to him, creative freedom cannot be used as an excuse to hurt social sentiments, and the Centre’s action was both necessary and justified.
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Ghooskhor Pandat Row: Why the Netflix Film Sparked Outrage
The row began when Netflix announced its 2026 content slate and released a teaser for Ghooskhor Pandat. Almost immediately, the film’s title triggered backlash online. Critics pointed out that the phrase translates to “bribe-taking Brahmin,” which they felt promoted a harmful stereotype.
An FIR was registered at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow, showing the seriousness of the objections. The issue also reached the National Human Rights Commission, which sent a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after receiving a formal complaint.
Due to high pressure, the film’s creators stepped forward to clarify their stand. Director Neeraj Pandey and lead actor Manoj Bajpayee said the film is a fictional cop drama and does not target any caste, religion or community. They explained that the term used in the title is only a colloquial nickname for a fictional police officer and reflects an individual character, not a larger social group.
Makers Face More Trouble As Title Registration Issue Emerges
Apart from public and political criticism, the makers are now facing trouble on another front. The Film Makers Combine has issued a notice to Pandey’s production house, Friday Story Tellers. The organisation has claimed that the film’s title was not properly registered.
According to the FMC, using an unauthorised title could lead to disciplinary action if the issue is not resolved.
