Netflix India’s “Next on Netflix” slate reveal on February 3, 2026 has triggered a controversy after the announcement of Ghooskhor Pandat, a cop drama featuring Manoj Bajpayee as a morally compromised police officer known by the nickname “Pandat.”
Why the title is facing backlash
The dispute centres on the film’s title, which combines “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat/Pandit,” a term many associate with the Brahmin/Pandit identity. Critics argue the phrasing links a community identifier with corruption and amounts to stereotyping or collective defamation.
Legal notice sent to Netflix and makers
A Mumbai-based advocate, Ashutosh Dubey, has sent a legal notice objecting to the title and demanding its withdrawal, calling it “defamatory” and “socially incendiary,” as reported.
Delhi High Court petition seeks stay
The controversy has also moved to court. A writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court by Mahender Chaturvedi, through Advocate Vineet Jindal, seeking a stay on the release/streaming of the project on grounds that the title and promotional material allegedly harm the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community.
FMC notice over alleged unauthorised title use
Separately, industry body Film Makers Combine (FMC) issued a notice dated February 5, 2026 to Friday Story Tellers LLP, stating that the title “Ghooskhor Pandat” was not applied for or approved as per its records, and warned that use of an unauthorised title could invite disciplinary action. A copy was also sent to Netflix for information.
Neeraj Pandey responds, promos taken down
Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued a public clarification stating the film is fictional and that “Pandat” is used as a colloquial name for a character, not as commentary on any community. He added that the team has decided to take down promotional materials for the time being, and urged audiences to view the film in full context.
FIR registered in Lucknow
On February 6, 2026, reports said an FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow, over allegations that the title/content hurt religious and caste sentiments and could disturb public harmony.
What happens next
With a legal notice, a Delhi HC plea, an industry title dispute, and an FIR now in play, the project’s release path could depend on how quickly the makers and Netflix resolve both the legal and title-registration objections. As of the latest reports, Netflix has not issued a separate detailed statement on the FIR beyond the filmmaker’s clarification.
—By Manoj H