Ghoskhor Pandat, an upcoming Netflix release starring Manoj Vajpayee, has stirred political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, with the Yogi Adityanath government on Friday ordering an FIR against the film’s director Neeraj Pandey over the title.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee promotes the upcoming film ‘Ghuskhor Pandat’ at a Netflix event called ‘#NextOnNetflix’ in Mumbai, Tuesday night, Feb. 3, 2026. (PTI File)The Center has also started action against the film. Ordering Netflix to take down the trailer from the streaming platform.
The movie also drew notice from a Mumbai-based organization, Film Makers Combine (FMC), which wrote to the film’s production house and Netflix, urging them to exercise restraint in using the title.
It was a title that sparked a row, which quickly turned political and allegations of caste targeting against the director, himself a Brahmin by caste, surfaced.
Complaint against Neeraj Pandey in FIRThe FIR against ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ director Neeraj Pandey A case has been registered at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow Allegedly for spreading social discord, hurting religious and ethnic sentiments and disturbing public peace and law and order.
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The Yogi Adityanath government’s move comes amid recent protests over the “equity regulation” announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The government claimed that there were potential law and order problems
The name and content of the film caused widespread outrage among the Brahmin community and various social organizations. It said several organizations have warned of aggressive protests against the film.
The government statement added that the Hazratganj police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the law against the film’s director and his team due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
What the police said about the ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’ rowPolice said in a press note that, initially, the director and his team released the film with the intention of spreading social discord, disturbing peace and destroying communal harmony.
The FIR was filed by Bikram Singh, station house officer of Hazratganj police station.
Singh said that the caste-based insult aspect was mentioned in the FIR, saying that the film’s title seems to have been deliberately chosen to target and insult a particular community/caste (Brahmins).
The police also clarified that further action will be taken based on the evidence available during the investigation, the content circulated and applicable legal provisions.
BSP chief Mayawati condemned the movieBahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati supported the FIR against the movie and its director, right action, and demanded a ban on such caste-targeted films.
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“It is a matter of deep sadness and concern that for some time now, not only in Uttar Pradesh, but now even in films, the word ‘Pandit’ is being portrayed as synonymous with bribery and corruption, thereby insulting and dishonoring the entire community across the country. This has led to intense anger and resentment among this section of the Brahmin community.” Supremo wrote in X.
“The BSP demands that the central government immediately impose a ban on caste-targeting films (web series) like ‘Ghoskhor Pandit’. At the same time, registration of an FIR by the Lucknow police in this regard is an appropriate step,” added Mayawati.
Neeraj Pandey, Manoj Vajpayee broke the silenceAfter the uproar against the movie ‘Ghuskhor Pandat’ started. Written by actor Manaj Bajpayee: “It is not meant to be a statement about any community… The filmmakers have decided to remove the promotional material in the light of public sentiment…”
Director Neeraj Pandey broke the silence amid the controversy.
He shared a post on X, which read: “Our film is a fictional police drama and the word ‘Pandat’ is only used as a colloquial name for a fictional character… As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility… We understand that the title… has offended some viewers… and have decided to remove all promotional material for the time being…”
