Manoj Bajpayee Recalls Receiving Threats During Ghooskhor Pandat Row; Says, “People Trolled, Abused My Family”

Manoj Bajpayee recalls family trolling during the Ghooskhor Pandat row, says he feels empathy for critics and avoids arguments. Read on.

Manoj Bajpayee Reveals Receiving Threats During Ghooskhor Pandat Row

Speaking to PTI, Manoj admitted that neither he nor the makers anticipated such a reaction to the film’s title. However, he said the team acted quickly once concerns were raised. “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 of intensity, we as creative people are always there to mend our ways or correct ourselves. I personally feel that the title change is not going to be such a huge thing, we are creative people, we can come up with ten different titles and they will be equally exciting,” the actor said.

The controversy erupted soon after Netflix unveiled the first look of the film. Several groups objected to the use of the word ‘Pandat’ in the title, alleging that it portrayed a particular community in a negative light. An FIR was subsequently filed against the makers. During proceedings before the Delhi High Court, the filmmakers assured the court that the title would be changed and the promotional material would be reviewed.

Manoj Bajpayee Addresses The Controversy

Reflecting on the intense online backlash, Manoj revealed that he faced personal attacks and threats. He also said that trolls dragged his family into the controversy. “But I must tell you that when the threats were coming to me, I was also travelling 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 film talks about something else. But I think on social media now people are impatient and they are eager and desperate to come out with their opinion without even knowing fully about the subject matter,” he said.

The family man actor added, “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. So, why to argue with them? Don’t get into the mud with the people who like to roll you into the mud.”

Earlier, producer Neeraj Pandey had also addressed the issue. He clarified that ‘Pandat’ was used as a nickname for a character in the film and was never intended as a reference to or criticism of any community. Nevertheless, acknowledging the concerns raised by viewers, the makers decided to withdraw the existing promotional assets and proceed with a title change.

About Ghooskhor Pandat

Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi and Divya Dutta. The film is written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah and marks Shah’s directorial debut. While Netflix is yet to announce the new title, the film remains scheduled for release later this year.

On the work front, Manoj Bajpayee will next be seen in the political-financial thriller Governor: The Silent Saviour, which is slated to release in theatres on June 12, 2026. The actor also has several film and streaming projects in the pipeline as he continues to balance commercial and content-driven roles.

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Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.