Netflix streaming giant has also formally notified the Delhi High Court that it intends to change the name of its upcoming film, currently known as Ghooskhor Pandat, to mitigate its public and legal challenges. The move comes after a week of severe backlash by the Brahmin community and multiple political leaders across India.
The producers made a “conscious decision” to rename the project, Netflix’s senior counsel told Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav at a hearing on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The new title, but not yet revealed, is intended to “more accurately reflect the film’s narrative and intent” as a fictional, reformative police drama.
It’s all About the Root of the Controversy
The row kicked off on February 3, 2026, when Netflix revealed its slate of 2026, which includes a teaser for the Neeraj Pandey production starring Manoj Bajpayee. The title, which means “Bribe-taking Brahmin,” was widely described as derogatory and casteist.
- Political Backlash: BSP chief Mayawati led in the condemnation that the title insulted the entire community.
- Legal Action: FIRs were started in Lucknow according to instructions issued by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. The VHP and other groups also lodged complaints that the title perpetuated negative stereotypes.
- Court intervenes: Mahender Chaturvedi an acharya by vocation filed a writ petition against linking the word "Pandat" (a colloquial term for Pandit) to corruption that violated constitutional rights and degradation of the dignity of the people.
Makers' Argument and Reunification
Director Neeraj Pandey and actor Manoj Bajpayee have both provided clarifications. Pandey said “Pandat” was simply a casual nickname for the protagonist, Ajay Dikshit, and not an attack on any caste. But as far as the sentiment goes, the makers: Pulled all promotional material, the viral teaser included, from all social media.
The Court agreed to the change of title in the matter before the Delhi High Court. Confirmed the film is now in the editing stage. There may be changes after that time if it were then released for public distribution. After these reassurances the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition on the grounds that the complainants' issues were handled.
Even with the name change, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has purportedly pressed for a pre-release screening to ensure the community isn’t being misrepresented in the movie’s actual content.
