Manoj Bajpayee’s ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ Sparks Outrage Over Casteism Title

Based on the first-look teaser, the film appears to be a crime thriller in which Manoj Bajpayee plays a corrupt cop who gets a chance at redemption through a specific case. Despite not even being released yet, the film and its title have received immense backlash and are being accused of normalizing hatred and even caste discrimination.

The title has become the center of the controversy. On social media, the film announcement received severe criticism. On X, Shashank Shekhar Jha, a Supreme Court lawyer and political commentator, said, “Hello @NetflixIndia, normalisation of hatred against Pandits & Brahmins won’t be tolerated. I’ll see you in Court.” Reportedly, a case has been filed against the film.

Famous political commentator Mr. Sinha also commented on X, saying, “Ghuskhor Pandat? What kind of title is this? Would it be acceptable if a movie or series were made with a similar ‘Ghuskhor Mohamedan’ title? This is not freedom of speech. This is bigotry driven by an agenda. Such content should not be allowed to release.” These reactions reflect the mass outrage and backlash the film has received.

Following the controversy, several social media users criticized Netflix’s decision to use ‘Pandat’ in the title. ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ literally means ‘Corrupt Priest.’ Many users interpreted this as an attack on Brahmins and their identity. Others pointed out how, historically, Indian cinema has often stereotyped Brahmins and priestly characters as cunning and selfish.

A social media page called ‘Gems of Bollywood’ claimed it has formally filed a complaint against the film, alleging that the title is extremely offensive and casteist. The page also stated that the film attempts to vilify an entire social group in India. Another user added, “Funny how corruption has now become a religious caricature when it’s convenient. ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ isn’t accidental. If corruption was the point, the title could have been Officer, Babu, or Netaji. But Bollywood’s old habit remains—demonise Brahmins and dress it up as ‘art’. Netflix India, you know exactly what you are doing, and this won’t be tolerated anymore.”

Overall, this backlash highlights how deeply divided and segregated our society remains, where even a movie title announcement and the portrayal of fictional characters can become the center of intense controversy.