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Ghooskhor Pandat title row: FilmmakerNeeraj Pandey has broken his silence amid the growing controversy surrounding the title of his upcoming filmGhooskhor Pandat.After objections from viewers and industry bodies, the Sikandar Ka Muqaddar director has issued a clarification and confirmed that all promotional material for the project has been taken down, at least for now.

The row erupted soon after the film’s teaser was unveiled at a Mumbai event earlier this week. Several viewers objected to the use of the word “Pandat” alongside “ghooskhor”, a term commonly associated with bribery. Critics argued that the combination appeared to unfairly target and stereotype the pandit community, triggering a wider debate around representation and sensitivity in popular culture.

In a detailed statement, Neeraj addressed these concerns directly. “Our film is a fictional cop drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community,” he said. Emphasising his intent, the filmmaker added, “As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility – to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.”

Neeraj also acknowledged the emotional response to the title. “This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences. We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings,” he noted.

In response to the backlash, the team has decided to pause all promotional activity. “In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses,” the statement read. Neeraj added that the makers still look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.

The controversy has also drawn attention from industry bodies. The Film Makers Combine reportedly issued a notice claiming that mandatory approval for the title had not been obtained. According to the organisation, Neeraj, a registered member of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association, did not apply for formal permission to use the title, warning that continued use without authorisation could invite disciplinary action.

The dispute intensified further after Mumbai-based lawyer Ashutosh Dubey sent a legal notice to Netflix and the film’s producers. The notice described the title as defamatory, unconstitutional and socially provocative. He further argued that creative freedom does not extend to vilifying a community under the guise of fiction.

Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Dikshit, a corrupt and morally compromised police officer nicknamed ‘Pandat’. The film unfolds over a single night and also features Nushrat Bharuccha and Saqib Saleem in pivotal roles.