‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ not about any caste or community, will take down all promos: Neeraj Pandey
Mumbai (PTI): The story of “Ghooskhor Pandat” is fictional and has nothing to do with any caste or community, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey said on Friday, a day after the Netflix film faced backlash over its title.
In a statement, posted on his social media handles, Pandey acknowledged that the film’s title has “hurt” a section of audience and added that all promotional materials of the film will be taken down for the time being.
The film’s announcement earlier this week was met with a backlash over the title with many social media users calling it insensitive and offensive.
On Thursday, the National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the wake of a complaint alleging that the title of an upcoming movie to be released on a web-based platform, "promotes negative stereotypes" and "vilifies a recognised social group".
Pandey said the film, which he has co-written and produced, 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. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility - to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful,” the filmmaker said.
Featuring Manoj Bajpayee in the title role, the upcoming crime thriller follows Ajay Dikshit, also known as Pandat, a corrupt police officer whose plans for a lucrative and eventful night are disrupted when he finds himself caught in the middle of a global conspiracy unfolding in the heart of Delhi.
The film, which was announced by Netflix during an event on Tuesday, is directed by Ritesh Shah, who has also penned the story with Pandey. It is produced by Pandey through his banner Friday Filmworks.
The filmmaker, known for directing acclaimed films such as “A Wednesday”, “Special 26” and “Baby”, said “Ghooskhor Pandat” has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences.
“We understand that the title of the film has caused hurt to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings.
“In light of these concerns, we have decided to take down all promotional materials for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judged on partial glimpses. I look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon,” he added.
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Hasiru Farms Marks 77th Republic Day with 77 Kms Cyclothon at VRUKSHA Project Launch
Bengaluru (Karnataka): February 06: Hasiru Farms, a theme-based managed farmland and eco-habitat brand rooted in sustainability and cultural living, marked National Road Safety Month and India’s 77th Republic Day with a 77-kilometre Cyclothon and the official launch of its latest project, VRUKSHA – Power in Every Root. Hasiru Farms in association with the AWF (Avanti Welfare Foundation) cycling community, the 77-km Cyclothon was flagged off from HSR Layout, Bengaluru, and concluded at the VRUKSHA project site off Kanakapura Road. The initiative brought together road safety awareness, environmental responsibility, and community-led land stewardship through an on-ground experiential movement.
Held during National Road Safety Month, the Cyclothon highlighted road discipline, safety, and sustainable modes of travel, encouraging participants to view progress as mindful and inclusive—both on roads and in life. On arrival at the project site, participants took part in a 77-tree plantation drive, with each sapling representing one year of India’s Republic.
“Road safety is about responsibility. Republic Day is about duty. VRUKSHA is about legacy. The project offers curated farmland plots within a professionally managed ecosystem, supported by long-term plantation planning, maintenance, and community-centric spaces.” said MS Akshar, Founder, MD & CEO from Hasiru Farms. “Through this initiative, we want to balance sustainability, tradition, culture, and modern living for better living”
The launch of VRUKSHA was designed as a calm, immersive experience rather than a conventional real estate event. The programme included guided walks through existing arecanut plantations, project walkthroughs, open interactions with the Hasiru Farms team, and a shared community meal. Conceived as “The Earthen Antidote,” VRUKSHA is a theme-based managed farmland project aimed at addressing urban fatigue and disconnection from nature. Planned features include Mannina Mane (mud homes) and shared areas focused on wellness, learning, and nature-led living.
About Hasiru:
Founded in 2021, Hasiru Farms operates across Karnataka, with projects in regions such as Kanakapura, Magdi, Ramanagar, Sakleshpur, and surrounding green corridors. The brand is known for its theme-based managed farmland developments that integrate sustainability, cultural relevance, and long-term value creation.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
