Manoj Bajpayee reacts after Netflix deletes Ghooskhor Pandat promo post FIR on Yogi govt's direction

Earlier this week, Netflix India announced its slate of web series and films for 2026. One project that caught attention for all the wrong reasons is Manoj Bajpayee's Ghooskhor Pandat, directed by Neeraj Pandey.

The series has landed in controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government on Friday ordering an FIR against the director over the title Ghooskhor Pandat, alleging that it hurts the sentiments of certain sections of society.

Several videos and photos from the protests have gone viral, showing people taking to the streets across Uttar Pradesh and slamming the makers and the actor for allegedly misleading audiences with the title. Protesters claimed that the title implies Brahmins are involved in bribery, thereby defaming a section of society.

Director Neeraj Pandey and lead actor Manoj Bajpayee issue statements after the FIR

Amid the massive uproar, Neeraj Pandey and lead actor Manoj Bajpayee broke their silence on the issue.

Sharing Neeraj's statement on X (formerly Twitter), Manoj wrote that the intention was never to cause harm. "I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen," he said. He also clarified that the intent was not to hurt any community. "As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community."

Stating that Neeraj has always been careful in how he approaches his work, Manoj added, "In my experience of working with Neeraj Pandey, there has been a consistent seriousness and care in how he approaches his films."

He also said that the decision to take down the promotional material reflects how seriously the issue is being treated. "The filmmakers have decided to take down the promotional material for the time being, in light of the public sentiment. This reflects the seriousness with which the concerns are being taken."

Neeraj Pandey also released a statement on Friday, stating that the story of Ghooskhor Pandat is fictional and has nothing to do with any caste or community. He acknowledged that the film's title had hurt a section of the audience and reiterated that all promotional material is being taken down. He added that in the fictional cop drama, the word Pandat is simply a colloquial name for a fictional character.

"The story focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful. We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings."

What is the hue and cry about?

Politicians have also entered into this and have called for legal action. CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered an FIR against Manoj Bajpayee's Ghooskhor Pandat. The complaint alleges that the content of the film has hurt Hindu sentiments.

Following the FIR, Netflix has deleted the promo of the Manoj Bajpayee starrer.

BSP Chief Mayawati demands ban, lauds Lucknow Police for filing FIR

BSP chief Mayawati has termed the FIR the right step and demanded a ban on such caste-targeting films. "It is a matter of deep sorrow and concern that for some time now,  not only in Uttar Pradesh but now even in films,  the term 'Pandit' is being portrayed as synonymous with bribery and corruption, thereby insulting and disrespecting the entire community across the country," she wrote on X.

The BSP demands that the central government immediately impose a ban on such caste-targeting films (web series) like Ghooskhor Pandat. At the same time, the registration of an FIR by the Lucknow Police in this matter is an appropriate step," she added.

An FIR was registered at Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow against Neeraj and the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat over allegations that its title and content 'hurt religious and caste sentiments' and threaten public harmony. The police said that the title has been deliberately framed to target and insult a particular community, specifically the Brahmin community, by associating the term "Pandat" with corruption.

The lead protagonist of the film is Manoj Bajpayee in the title role. Ghooskhor Pandat follows Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat, a corrupt police officer whose plans for a lucrative and eventful night are disrupted when he finds himself caught in the middle of a global conspiracy unfolding in the heart of Delhi.