Netflix India Announces Title Change for Manoj Bajpayee Film After Legal Challenge
In a significant development, Netflix India officially informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that the upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat, starring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, will undergo a title change. This submission came during a hearing before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, addressing a petition that sought to halt the film's release, branding its original title as "offensive" and "defamatory."
Court Order Records Producer's Decision to Rename Film
Justice Kaurav documented in the court order that the film's producer has made a "conscious decision" to alter the title in response to public concerns. The new title will more accurately reflect the film's narrative and intent, moving away from the controversial Ghooskhor Pandat. This legal proceeding was initiated following reports by PTI, highlighting the growing backlash against the film's name.
Film Described as Fictional Police Drama Amidst Controversy
Representing Netflix, senior counsel elaborated that the film, currently in the editing stage, is a fictional police drama. They emphasized that the original title led to "unintended interruptions" that misaligned with the film's actual content. In light of this, all promotional materials associated with the film have been withdrawn from public platforms, as confirmed to the court.
Petition Alleged Defamation and Cultural Insult
The petition was filed by Mahender Chaturvedi, an acharya by vocation, who argued that the title Ghooskhor Pandat maliciously associated the term "pandat" with corruption and bribery, thereby attacking the reputation and dignity of his community. Chaturvedi contended that the title insulted religious and cultural identity, asserting that creative liberty should not serve as a shield for propagating defamatory narratives.
In his plea, Chaturvedi sought a stay on the film's release and streaming, along with a directive for the central government to take appropriate legal action against Netflix. The petition claimed that the title and content amounted to collective defamation, unfairly maligning an entire community in the public eye.
Court Proceedings Concluded Following Netflix's Stand
With Netflix's commitment to rename the film and remove promotional content, the Delhi High Court closed the proceedings, noting that "nothing more was required to be adjudicated." Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, informed the court that the government had been notified of the withdrawal of all promotional materials related to the film.
Background of the Controversy and Social Media Backlash
The controversy erupted earlier this month when Netflix announced the Neeraj Pandey-directed and produced film, starring Manoj Bajpayee. The announcement triggered widespread backlash on social media, with numerous users labeling the title as "casteist" and offensive. This public outcry underscored the sensitive nature of the film's name and its perceived impact on community sentiments.
As the situation unfolds, the film's renaming marks a pivotal moment in balancing creative expression with social responsibility in the entertainment industry. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by OTT platforms in navigating cultural sensitivities while delivering content to diverse audiences.
