Manoj Bajpayee’s film ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ faces backlash over title

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming Netflix film “‘Ghooskhor Pandit’” (Corrupt Pandit) has sparked intense criticism even before its release, prompting the actor to respond to the controversy.

According to Indian media reports, the film features Bajpayee in the lead role as a corrupt police officer named Ajay Dixit, colloquially referred to as “Pandit.” The teaser, released during a Mumbai event, quickly went viral on social media, generating widespread backlash over the film’s title and its perceived insensitivity.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded the title be withdrawn immediately, stating that it hurts the sentiments of a specific community and could undermine social harmony.

Critics have argued that associating the term “Pandit” with corruption in mainstream entertainment is offensive, claiming it links unethical behavior to a particular community, sparking a broader debate on caste representation in Indian cinema. Some viewers have called for a ban on the film, while others have urged Netflix and the filmmakers to change the title.

Directed by Neeraj Pandey, known for successful Netflix projects such as “Khaki: The Bihar Chapter”, the film has drawn attention not only for its storyline but also for the sensitive discussions it has ignited about community portrayal and cultural sensitivity.

Bajpayee has since addressed the critics, providing a reasoned response defending the film, though details of his statement have not been fully disclosed.