Mumbai, February 4, 2026 — Netflix unveiled its 2026 India slate at a Mumbai event on February 3, including the thriller Ghooskhor Pandat starring Manoj Bajpayee. The film’s teaser and title quickly sparked widespread criticism on social media.
The teaser introduces Bajpayee as Senior Inspector Ajay Dixit, nicknamed “Pandat,” a corrupt officer with a poor service record who gets entangled in a larger conspiracy over one night in Delhi. Produced by Neeraj Pandey and directed by Ritesh Shah, the film is described as a fast-paced, one-night thriller.
Shortly after the reveal, many users expressed anger over the title, arguing it unfairly associates corruption with a specific community surname. Several called for an immediate title change, with some warning of a mass boycott or subscription cancellations if unchanged.
Comments on platforms like X included statements questioning whether similar titles targeting other communities would be acceptable, and accusations of selective portrayal. As of now, neither Netflix India nor the filmmakers have issued an official response to the criticism.
The film is part of Netflix’s broader 2026 lineup of Indian originals, but the title debate has dominated online discussions surrounding its announcement.
