The controversy surrounding the Indian film ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ may have forced it to change its title and issue a public apology, but it has done little to tarnish its lead actor. In an honest conversation, Manoj Bajpayee He’s spoken about the threats he’s received, the team’s quick response to backlash, and his unwavering philosophy in the face of online hostility, and his words are as measured as they are memorable.
Manoj Bajpayee talks about title changes and social media patience
The trouble started shortly after Netflix India unveiled its 2026 lineup at the Next on event in Mumbai. ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ was among the announced titles, along with a first look teaser, both of which have been dropped. An FIR was filed against the makers for hurting religious sentiments through the film’s title and content. The authors appeared afterwards Delhi High Court and he undertook to change the name of the film. Producer Neeraj Pandey clarified that the term ‘Pandat’ was a nickname for the character in the story and was not aimed at the community, while announcing that all promotional material was being released for review.Speaking to PTI, Manoj acknowledged the episode’s impact on the team, but made it clear that he did not break their resolve. He said: “We didn’t expect it. But when it happened, after two days we tendered our apology. If something offends someone with that much intensity, as creative people we are always there to mend our ways or correct ourselves. I personally feel that the title change will not be such a big deal; we are creative people, we can come up with the same ones, and the exciting ones will be ten different titles.”
Manoj Bajpayee opens up about receiving threats
Despite the intensity of the online backlash, which extended to his family, Manoj continued to defy it in his own quiet way. He said: “But I have to tell you that when the threats came to me, I was constantly traveling without any fear. When people are trolling you, abusing you and including your whole family, I feel empathy for them,” he said.The veteran actor also offered a sharp observation about the state of online discourse. He added, “I think people on social media are impatient now, and they’re eager and desperate to express their opinion without knowing a whole lot about the subject. I’m a curious person; I’m an educated person, and I don’t have any ambitions. I don’t have the energy and time to not even educate myself or discuss their opinion with people who are even more educated. So why argue with them? Don’t get in the mud with people who like to throw you in the mud.’
About ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’
‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, a must-watch title, stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi and Divya Dutta. Written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, the film marks Shah’s directorial debut. It will air on Netflix later in 2026, although a release date has yet to be confirmed.
