FIR controversy: Neeraj Pandey says promos of Manoj Bajpayee’s Ghooskhor Pandat taken down

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued an official statement after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the registration of an FIR against the makers of Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming web series Ghooskhor Pandat.

The controversy erupted over the show’s title and promotional material, which drew criticism for allegedly hurting caste sentiments. In his statement, Pandey clarified that the series is a fictional cop drama and has no connection to any caste or community.

“Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as 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,” the statement said.

He added that the makers acknowledge the concerns raised by viewers and have decided to withdraw promotional content for the time being.

“We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses,” Pandey said, adding that the series was created solely to entertain audiences.

FIR registered on CM’s directions

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict legal action against Netflix and the makers of Ghooskhor Pandat, leading to the registration of an FIR in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Police said the case was filed following widespread objections to the series’ trailer, which went viral on social media.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, Hazratganj police registered the FIR against the web series for its broadcast on OTT and social media platforms. Police officials said the complaint relates to alleged attempts to hurt religious and caste sentiments and to disturb public order.

According to the police, the FIR was registered by Hazratganj SHO Vikram Singh after the trailer triggered sharp reactions online. Authorities claimed the content allegedly promotes caste-based humiliation, raising concerns over a possible breach of peace. The director of the series and other members of the production team have been named in the case.

How the controversy unfolded

The controversy began after the teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat was unveiled during Netflix’s ‘Next on Netflix’ event earlier this month. Objections were raised over the title, which combines the word “ghooskhor” (bribe-taker) with “Pandat”, a colloquial form of “Pandit”.

Several groups and individuals alleged that the phrasing amounts to casteist stereotyping and collective defamation of the Brahmin community. The backlash soon escalated beyond social media, with legal notices issued to Netflix and the makers, protests reported in cities including Bhopal, and multiple court petitions filed.

A writ petition in the Delhi High Court has sought an immediate stay on the series’ release, arguing that the title and portrayal could disrupt social harmony and violate laws related to hate speech.