Manoj Bajpayee, the veteran Indian actor, has spoken out about the recent controversy surrounding his film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', which has led to a title change and a public apology. In a candid interview, Bajpayee shared his thoughts on the situation, the impact on the team, and his philosophy on dealing with online hostility.
A Swift Response to Backlash
The controversy began when Netflix India unveiled its 2026 slate, including 'Ghooskhor Pandat', at its Next on event in Mumbai. The film's title and content were accused of hurting religious sentiments, leading to an FIR being filed against the makers. In response, the team took swift action, with producer Neeraj Pandey clarifying that the term 'Pandat' was a character nickname and not directed at any community. They also announced the removal of all promotional material for review.
Manoj Bajpayee, the lead actor, acknowledged the impact of the episode on the team but remained defiant. He stated, '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.'
Dealing with Online Hostility
The actor also opened up about receiving threats and the impact on his family. Despite the intensity of the online backlash, Bajpayee remained calm and empathetic. He said, 'But I must tell you that when the threats were coming to me, I was also traveling continuously without any fear. When people are trolling you, abusing you, and getting your family into the whole thing, I feel empathy for them.'
The State of Online Discourse
Manoj Bajpayee offered a sharp observation on the state of online discourse, particularly on social media. He noted that people are now impatient and eager to express their opinions without fully understanding the subject matter. Bajpayee, who values knowledge and education, expressed his frustration with such behavior. He said, '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.'
'Ghooskhor Pandat' and Its Future
'Ghooskhor Pandat', which stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, and Divya Dutta, is set to stream on Netflix later in 2026. The film, written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, and directed by Shah, has undergone a title change, but its core team remains intact. Despite the controversy, Bajpayee's measured response and the team's swift actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing concerns and maintaining a positive creative environment.
