Netflix Film Ghooskhor Pandat in FIR Row

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed police to register an FIR against the director and production team of the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, citing serious concerns over potential damage to social harmony and religious-caste sentiments.

The FIR was lodged late Thursday night at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow following multiple complaints about the film’s title and promotional content. Police stated that the case has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 196 (promoting enmity between different groups),
• Section 299 (deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings),
• Section 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace),
• Section 353 (statements conducing to public mischief),along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

According to officials, the title “Ghooskhor Pandat”, interpreted by critics as linking the term “Pandat” (a colloquial reference often associated with Brahmins) to bribery and corruption appears to deliberately target and demean a particular community, thereby disturbing public peace and communal harmony.

The action comes after widespread backlash on social media and complaints from various groups alleging the film hurts caste sentiments, particularly those of the Brahmin community.

The controversy intensified following the recent release of the film’s teaser on Netflix.In response to the growing row, the Central government also intervened, directing Netflix to remove the trailer and other promotional material from the platform.

Director Neeraj Pandey has clarified that Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and that “Pandat” is used solely as a casual nickname for the lead character (played by Manoj Bajpayee), with no reference to any specific community or caste.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee has echoed this, stating that the film portrays a flawed individual and is not intended as a comment on any group.The development has sparked a broader political and social debate in Uttar Pradesh, with some leaders praising the swift action while others question its implications for creative freedom.

Authorities have emphasized that strict measures will continue against any content perceived to threaten social harmony in the state. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

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