Actor says film targets a flawed character, not the Brahmin community, as makers pull promotions
February 6, 2026: Actor Manoj Bajpayee has addressed the controversy surrounding his upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, which has drawn criticism for allegedly targeting the Brahmin community through its title. In a statement shared on X, Bajpayee said his intention was never to hurt any community but to portray a flawed character and his journey of self-realisation. His remarks came shortly after director Neeraj Pandey announced that all promotional activities for the film were being taken down in response to public sentiment.
“I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously,” Bajpayee wrote, adding that his approach to the film was purely from the perspective of the character and the story. He stressed that the role was not meant as a statement on any caste or community. Praising Pandey’s filmmaking sensibility, Bajpayee said the decision to remove promotional material reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being addressed.
Earlier, Neeraj Pandey issued a statement clarifying that Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and that the term “Pandat” is used only as a colloquial name for a character, not as a reference to any caste or religion. He acknowledged that the title had hurt some viewers and said promotions were being withdrawn temporarily so the film could be judged in its full context. The controversy has escalated with an FIR filed in Lucknow against the filmmaker and team for allegedly hurting religious and caste sentiments, while a petition seeking a stay on the film has also been moved in the Delhi High Court.