Delhi HC Rejects Ban Plea as Netflix Renames Manoj Bajpayee’s Film
Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming Netflix project, originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat, has found itself at the centre of a heated controversy even before its release. What began as an announcement of a new police drama quickly escalated into widespread backlash across multiple states. Now, in a significant development, the Delhi High Court has refused to stay the film’s release after Netflix informed the court that the controversial title will be changed.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the release of the film, citing that the producers had already addressed the primary concern raised by the petitioner. The plea, which argued that the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ was offensive, defamatory, and casteist, was heard by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.
During the hearing, Netflix’s legal team informed the court that the makers had taken a “conscious decision” to rename the film. With this assurance on record, the court observed that no further adjudication was required and subsequently closed the proceedings.
The court’s refusal to impose a stay effectively clears the path for the film’s release, subject to the promised changes being implemented.
Netflix Confirms Title Change After Public Outcry
Netflix informed the Delhi High Court that Ghooskhor Pandat will be retitled to better reflect the film’s narrative and intent, after the original name led to unintended interpretations. The platform clarified that the project is a purely fictional police drama with no reference to any real community and said the title change was a proactive step to address concerns. Netflix also confirmed that all promotional material featuring the original title has been withdrawn across platforms.
What Did the Court Say?
Recording the submission made by the producers, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav noted:
“The producer has taken a conscious decision in light of the concern that has arisen to change the title of the film from Ghooskhor Pandat to an alternate title which more accurately reflects the film’s narrative and intent.”
With this statement, the court concluded that the grievance raised in the petition stood addressed, making further legal intervention unnecessary.
How the Controversy Began
The controversy erupted shortly after Netflix announced the project earlier this month. The title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ quickly became a flashpoint on social media, with several users calling it casteist and derogatory, particularly towards the Brahmin community.
Critics argued that the use of the term “Pandat” alongside “Ghooskhor” (a word commonly associated with corruption or bribery) perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Hashtags calling for a boycott of the film began trending, amplifying the outrage beyond online spaces.
Makers Maintain Film Is Fictional
Despite the escalating row, the makers have consistently maintained that the film is a work of fiction. Netflix’s counsel emphasised in court that the project is still in the editing stage and does not intend to malign or stereotype any community.
Sources close to the production suggest that the title was never meant to reference any real caste or group but was intended to reflect the flawed moral universe of a fictional character within a crime drama. However, the strong public reaction forced the team to reassess how the title was being perceived.
What Happens Next?
With the Delhi High Court closing the case and Netflix committing to a title change, the immediate legal hurdle appears to be cleared. The new title is expected to be announced soon, along with revised promotional material.
Industry observers believe the controversy may still impact the film’s reception, but the swift response by the makers could help mitigate long-term damage. For now, the focus shifts from the courtroom back to the content itself and whether the film can live up to expectations without being overshadowed by its turbulent pre-release journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Ghooskhor Pandat face backlash?
The title was criticised on social media for being allegedly casteist and offensive to the Brahmin community.
2. What was the petition filed against Ghooskhor Pandat in the Delhi High Court about?
The petition sought a ban on the film, claiming its title and promotional content were defamatory and communally sensitive.
3. Is the film based on real events or people?
No, the makers have clarified that the film is entirely fictional.
4. When will the new title be announced?
Netflix has not yet officially announced the new title.
5. Where will the film be released?
The film will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Final Words
The decision to rename Ghooskhor Pandat underscores how audience perception can significantly influence creative choices in today’s digital age. While the Delhi High Court’s refusal to halt the release offers relief to Manoj Bajpayee and the makers, the episode serves as a reminder of the fine line between artistic expression and social responsibility, especially on platforms with massive reach like Netflix.
