Netflix India found itself embroiled in controversy only days after the streaming giant’s recent launch of its upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat. A writ petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release of the film, alleging that the title is offensive and defamatory towards the Brahmin community.
The film, which features Manoj Bajpayee as its star, was part of Netflix's Next on Netflix 2026 event in Mumbai earlier this week. A backlash across social media platforms erupted soon after its first look teaser was released online.
What the petition claims
Mahender Chaturvedi has filed the petition through Advocate Vineet Jindal. The plea calls for a writ of mandamus ordering the authorities to restrain Netflix from streaming the film with its current title. Chaturvedi, who claims to be an Acharya committed to studying and teaching Indian scriptures, states that associating the word Pandat with corruption and bribery (ghooskhori) diminishes the dignity, reputation, and cultural value of the Brahmin community. Pandat had always meant scholarship, ethical behaviour, spiritual leadership, and moral authority, as stated in the plea. The petitioner argues under the Constitution that it is unconstitutional to utilise the term negatively, as such terms discriminate against a religious and social group on the grounds of religion, infringing the right to dignity and religious identity.
Complaints related to regulating the OTT
The complaint also suggests that the Government of India has not established a mechanism to ensure that misuse of creative freedom on OTT platforms is restricted. It states unrestrained material could damage social harmony and religious sentiments in the name of artistry.
Social media backlash grows
Critics widely criticised the film online after the teaser went live. Many users objected to the title and suggested boycotting Netflix unless a change was made. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the controversy escalated, adding pressure on the streaming platform. Netflix India has also not yet issued any official statement relating to the petition or backlash. This space will be updated if the streamer responds.
About Ghooskhor Pandat
The film features Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt police officer known as Pandat. Per the official logline, the story follows a night that spirals out of control when the officer discovers a global conspiracy while trying to identify an injured girl thrown from a moving vehicle in Delhi. Nushrat Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta star along with Bajpayee in a supporting cast. It was written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, with Mr. Shah making his directorial debut. Ghooskhor Pandat is slated for release on Netflix later this year, although Netflix has not announced a confirmed release date yet.