The notice, sent by advocate Ashutosh Dubey, claims that the use of the word “Pandat” — a colloquial reference derived from “Pandit” — in connection with corruption and bribery is defamatory. According to the notice, associating a term traditionally linked with knowledge, morality, and spiritual authority with criminal conduct amounts to an attack on the social reputation of the Pandit community.
In the film, Manoj Bajpayee plays Senior Inspector Ajay Dixit, nicknamed “Pandat,” a Delhi Police officer who has remained stuck at the sub-inspector rank for nearly two decades due to repeated demotions. The teaser portrays the character as a disgraced and allegedly corrupt policeman, a depiction the complainant argues is deliberately provocative.
Dubey has alleged that the title itself is designed to sensationalise content without regard for social sensitivity. He stated that creative freedom cannot be used as a shield to harm the reputation of an entire community, especially when a widely respected term is linked to bribery and misconduct. The notice also questions Netflix’s role in promoting such content, arguing that large platforms have a responsibility to uphold social harmony.
The advocate has demanded that the filmmakers change the title of the film and issue a clarification, warning that failure to do so could invite further legal action. He maintains that the portrayal goes beyond fictional storytelling and enters the realm of deliberate defamation.
So far, neither Netflix nor the film’s producers and directors have issued an official response to the legal notice. Manoj Bajpayee has also not commented publicly on the controversy.
The teaser of Ghooskhor Pandat shows Ajay Dixit as a police officer whose career stagnation and questionable conduct define his identity within the force. While the makers appear to frame the story as a gritty commentary on systemic corruption, the legal challenge raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity.
The controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days as legal proceedings progress and responses from the streaming platform and filmmakers are awaited.
