Delhi High Court Clears Manoj Bajpayee’s Netflix Film After Platform Agrees to Change Title
New Delhi: In a major relief for actor Manoj Bajpayee and the makers of his forthcoming Netflix drama Ghooskhor Pandat, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the release and streaming of the film.
The court’s decision came after Netflix informed the bench that it would change the name of the film. Counsel representing the streaming platform also told the court that all promotional material related to the earlier title had already been taken down from social media.
The petition had alleged that the film’s title and proposed content were defamatory and communally offensive. The controversy escalated after several social media users criticised the title, calling it derogatory towards the Brahmin community. Following the backlash, multiple FIRs were reportedly filed seeking a ban on the project.
The issue also drew the attention of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, which wrote to the film’s producers urging them to withdraw the title. The organisation said it strongly objected to the name, arguing that it appeared to single out a particular community and its traditional occupation in a derogatory manner, with the potential to hurt sentiments and disturb social harmony.
FWICE further stressed that the film industry carries a moral and social responsibility to avoid content or titles that could promote division or unrest. It appealed to producer bodies and OTT platforms to refrain from registering or continuing with provocative titles that may offend communities.
Earlier, Manoj Bajpayee had responded to the objections by clarifying that the film was not intended as a remark on any community. He said his focus as an actor was on portraying a flawed individual and the character’s journey of self-realisation, and not on making any social or communal statement.
With the title change assured and promotional material withdrawn, the court dismissed the plea, clearing the way for the film’s release on Netflix under a revised name.
Our Thoughts
The Delhi High Court’s decision highlights the growing scrutiny around creative expression in the digital era and the fine balance between artistic freedom and social sensitivity. While filmmakers must retain the space to tell complex stories, controversies over titles and perception show how quickly narratives can shift in the age of social media. The resolution in this case suggests that dialogue and corrective steps, rather than outright bans, may offer a more sustainable path forward for both creators and audiences.