Manoj Bajpayee says trolls dragged his family into Ghooskhor Pandat row: 'People are trolling you, abusing...'

Actor Manoj Bajpayee has spoken about the controversy surrounding the upcoming Netflix cop drama Ghooskhor Pandat, revealing that he received threats after the title sparked criticism online.

The series faced backlash soon after its announcement, with some groups objecting to the use of the word “Pandat” in the title. Following the criticism, the makers issued a public apology and confirmed that the title would be changed.

Reflecting on the episode, Bajpayee told PTI that the team acted quickly once concerns were raised. “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 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,” he said.

The actor also recalled the personal impact of the controversy, including online abuse and threats directed at him and his family. “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,” Bajpayee said.

He further suggested that many reactions were formed without a complete understanding of the project.“The film talks about something else. But 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,” he added.

The controversy centred on the title Ghooskhor Pandat, which critics argued could be interpreted as associating a community linked surname with corruption.

Director Neeraj Pandey later issued a clarification, stating that the project is a fictional cop drama and does not target or represent any caste, religion or community. “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,” Pandey said.

The makers have since withdrawn the promotional material and are expected to announce a new title.