The writ petition was filed to restrain the release of the Netflix film, citing that its earlier title was defamatory and communally offensive. Moved through advocate Vineet Jindal, the plea sought directions to the authorities to intervene and halt the film’s streaming, along with other consequential reliefs.
Ghooskhor Pandat producer agreed to change title: Netflix to court
Amid the controversy surrounding Manoj Bajpayee's upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, the producer agreed to change the title. This came in response to objections about potential harm to community sentiments and accusations of defamation.
Ghooskhor Pandat producer agreed to change title (Credit: Netflix)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2026 16:20 IST
Netflix on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that the producers of Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Ghooskhor Pandat have taken a “conscious decision”, in light of the concerns that had arisen, to change the film’s title to an alternative one that reflects its narrative and intent.
Netflix to change Ghooskhor Pandat title
The submission was made in a petition filed by Mahender Chaturvedi, seeking a stay on the film’s release.
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Taking note of the submission, the court disposed of the petition after Chaturvedi’s counsel stated that his grievance pertained only to the film’s title, which had now been resolved by the decision.
What was the petition?
The petitioner argued that the title's association of "Pandat" with corrupt activities and bribery negatively affected the standing of the Brahmin community and his own profession. "He alleged that associating the term with corruption and bribery harmed the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community as well as his own vocation."
The petitioner further contended that the impugned title and content violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution. It was also argued that the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and does not extend to defamation or content that could disturb communal harmony.
The plea also flagged concerns over the absence of an effective regulatory framework to curb the misuse of creative freedom on OTT platforms and sought directions to the Union government to take appropriate action. However, in light of Netflix’s submission that the film’s title had been changed, and the petitioner stating that his objections had been addressed, the High Court closed the matter.
During the court proceedings, Netflix's legal representative confirmed the producer's decision to select a new title that would better align with the film's narrative intentions. As the petitioner accepted this resolution, the Delhi High Court terminated the proceedings.
Why FWICE wants a ban on Ghooskhor Pandat?
According to FWICE (The Federation of Western India Cine Employees), the title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding and disturb social harmony. The federation emphasised that there should be no division in society on the basis of caste, creed, religion or profession, adding that all professions deserve equal dignity and respect.
FWICE has appealed to producer bodies to refrain from registering or allowing film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest. The federation strongly condemned the registration of Ghooskhor Pandat and advised Neeraj Pandey and Friday Filmworks to withdraw the title with immediate effect in the larger interest of social harmony and unity.
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