#KetchupNow: Neeraj Pandey takes down the Ghooskhor Pandat teaser following social media outrage over the title

The teaser of the Manoj Bajpayee and Nushrratt Bharuccha starrer, Ghooskhor Pandat, attracted severe backlash over its title for normalising the vilification of a community.

Netflix’s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, has triggered social media outrage after its teaser launch in Mumbai. The teaser introduced Bajpayee's character, Ajay Dikshit, as a corrupt police officer nicknamed 'Pandat', whose ambition for quick money takes a dangerous turn when he becomes involved in a mysterious case surrounding a severely injured young woman found on the streets of Delhi. 

However, soon after the teaser was unveiled, viewers objected to the use of the word 'Pandat' in the title, expressing concern that it somehow associates corruption with a specific community, sparking a heated debate on caste representation in mainstream films and shows. Taking on X to register their outrage, some of them accused the streaming giant and makers of promoting harmful stereotypes and urged Netflix to change the title or ‘face boycott’.

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Here's what they are saying!

Name of movie - Ghooskhor Pandat
Name of Director - Neeraj Pandey

When slogans like "Brahmin Bharat Chodo" are becoming so common, couldn’t these wokes pick better name?

Have some shame @NetflixIndia@neerajpofficial@BajpayeeManoj

Change the name now ! pic.twitter.com/STK6lDdzbq

— Anuradha Tiwari (@talk2anuradha) February 4, 2026

Gems of Bollywood has formally filed a complaint against @NetflixIndia regarding their web series titled Ghooskhor Pandat for

- deeply offensive and casteist title
- collective vilification of a recognised social group
- encouraging social hostility by legitimising prejudice pic.twitter.com/wqDCOJtQs2

— Ge(r)ms of Bollywood बॉलीवुड के रत्न (@GemsOfBollywood) February 3, 2026

Ghooskhor Pandat - Netflix really said it out loud.

A Hindu surname + priestly identity packaged as corruption for mass consumption.

Because stereotyping that identity is always “safe”, “artistic”, and “bold”.

Funny how corruption suddenly becomes a religious caricature when… pic.twitter.com/3Tk7Jkklh9

— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) February 3, 2026

Hello @NetflixIndia, normalisation of hatred against Pandits & Brahmins won’t be tolerated. I’ll see you in Court.

CC: @MIB_India@GoI_MeitYpic.twitter.com/TKUnjweViE

— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) February 3, 2026

Why are Brahmins subjected to this insult and hatred? What did they do wrong? Is the maker himself a Brahmin?

— Deepa Bhatnagar (@DeepaBhatnagar5) February 3, 2026

Soon after the backlash, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey issued a statement clarifying that the term 'Pandat' has been used as a colloquial name for a fictional character and that the character's actions and choices do not comment or represent any caste, religion or community. Pandey also informed that they have decided to take down all promotional material for the time being in light of the concerns expressed on social media. 

pic.twitter.com/ddGScOTqSc

— Neeraj Pandey (@neerajpofficial) February 6, 2026

Manoj Bajpayee too reiterated Pandey's stance on the backlash and affirmed that he respects the emotions and concerns people have shared.

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.

As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about… https://t.co/IGlQtLQeNs

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) February 6, 2026

The film marks the latest collaboration between Netflix India and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey, who previously joined forces for cop-thrillers like Khakee: The Bihar Chapter and its sequel. The film is part of Netflix India's 2026 content slate. Helmed by Ritesh Shah and written by Neeraj Pandey, the film also stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, Shraddha Das, and Kiku Sharda in prominent roles. The official release date is yet to be announced.

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