The controversy surrounding India’s upcoming film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ may have forced a title change and a public apology, but it has done little to rattle its lead actor. In a candid conversation, Manoj Bajpayee has spoken out about the threats he received, the team’s swift response to the backlash, and his unflinching philosophy when faced with online hostility, and his words are as measured as they are memorable.
Manoj Bajpayee speaks out on title changes and social media impatience
The trouble began shortly after Netflix India unveiled its 2026 slate at its Next on event in Mumbai. ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ was among the announced titles, accompanied by a first-look teaser, both of which have since been taken down. An FIR was filed against the makers for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through the film’s title and content. The makers subsequently appeared before the Delhi High Court and committed to renaming the film. Producer Neeraj Pandey clarified that the term ‘Pandat’ was a character nickname within the story and not directed at any community while announcing that all promotional material was being pulled for review.Speaking to PTI, Manoj acknowledged the impact the episode had on the team but made clear it did not break their resolve. He said, “We didn’t expect it. But when it happened, in two days’ time we put out our apology. If anything is offending anyone with that much of intensity, we, as creative people, are always there to mend our ways or correct ourselves. I personally feel that the title change is not going to be such a huge thing; we are creative people, we can come up with ten different titles, and they will be equally exciting.”
Manoj Bajpayee opens up about receiving threats
Despite the intensity of the online backlash, which extended to his family, Manoj remained defiant in his own quiet way. He said, “But I must tell you that when the threats were coming to me, I was also travelling continuously without any fear. When people are trolling you, abusing you and getting your family into the whole thing, I feel empathy for them,” he said.The veteran actor also offered a sharp observation on the state of online discourse. He added, “I think on social media now people are impatient, and they are eager and desperate to come out with their opinion without even knowing fully about the subject matter. I’m a person who is very curious for knowledge; I’m a well-educated person, and I don’t have any intention. I don’t have that energy and time to argue with people who are that impatient with their opinion or who are not even bothering to educate themselves. So, why to argue with them? Don’t get into the mud with the people who like to roll you into the mud.”
About ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’
‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, title to be revised, stars Manoj Bajpayee alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta. Written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, the film marks Shah’s debut as a director. It is set to stream on Netflix later in 2026, though no release date has been confirmed yet.