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**Manoj Bajpayee** has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy regarding the Netflix thriller *Ghooskhor Pandit* directed by **Neeraj Pandey**. This controversy started after the protest over the title of the film and the registration of FIR against the makers.

In this film, Bajpayee plays the character of a policeman named “Pandit” who does wrong things and is morally corrupt. Criticism of the film started immediately after the teaser was released. Critics alleged that combining the title—”Ghooshkhor” (a term used for a bribe taker) with “Pandit” (colloquial form of Pandit)—was defaming the Brahmin community by associating it with corruption. Organizations and social media users accused it of hurting religious and caste sentiments, leading to protests and threats of boycott.

Late night of February 5, 2026, an FIR was registered against the director, team and makers under sections of the Indian Justice Code (eg, 196 for promoting enmity, 299 for hurting religious sentiments, 352/353 for insult/disturbing peace) and provisions of the IT Act at **Hazratganj Police Station**, Lucknow.

According to reports, the case was registered following complaints and directions from Uttar Pradesh officials, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take action on the matter. Some groups warned of aggressive demonstrations, claiming the title insults Brahmins across the country.

In response, Neeraj Pandey issued a statement acknowledging the hurt of people’s sentiments and clarifying that the film is a fictional police drama based on the story of a demoted sub-inspector—and not a commentary on any caste, religion or community. He confirmed that all promotional materials (teasers, posters) have been removed to respect public sentiments and allow the entire story to be understood in its proper context.

Bajpayee reiterated the same sentiment when he shared Pandey’s post on Instagram Stories and

As an actor, I enter a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, it was about showing a flawed human being and his journey of self-identity. “It was not intended to make any statement about any community.” He praised Pandey’s continued care in the film’s production and emphasized the removal of the promo as proof of the seriousness of the concerns. The makers have not announced any changes to the release (date is not yet confirmed), but this immediate action is aimed at keeping the matter quiet amid the legal investigation. This incident shows the sensitivity regarding the portrayal of caste in Indian cinema.