All posts tagged: neeraj pandey

Ghooskhor Pandat teaser and promotional material removed by Netflix on Centre’s directive, says BJP amid backlash

Ghooskhor Pandat teaser and promotional material removed by Netflix on Centre’s directive, says BJP amid backlash

After massive backlash for Netflix’s Neeraj Pandey film Ghooskhor Pandat, the ruling BJP Party says that the Centre has asked the OTT platform to take down the teaser and other promotional material. This comes after the teaser was pulled after a row, and both Neeraj and the film’s lead, Manoj Bajpayee, released statements. (Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee breaks silence after FIR on Neeraj Pandey, Ghooskhor Pandat team: ‘Not a statement on community’) Neeraj Pandey’s Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. Centre asked Netflix to remove Ghooskhor Pandat teaser According to PTI, the BJP said the Centre has asked Netflix to remove the teaser for the Ghooskhor Pandat film and other promotional content from its OTT platform and elsewhere. “Taking swift action in the matter, the Centre has asked Netflix to remove the teaser and all other promotional content of the film. Such a kind of thing, which is against any society, is completely unacceptable,” said a BJP leader. In a post in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter), BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia …

Manoj Bajpayee defends Neeraj Pandey amid Ghooskhor Pandar row: Here’s why the title led to FIR, legal blowback | Bollywood News

Manoj Bajpayee defends Neeraj Pandey amid Ghooskhor Pandar row: Here’s why the title led to FIR, legal blowback | Bollywood News

4 min readNew DelhiFeb 6, 2026 02:22 PM IST Streaming giant Netflix released their 2026 slate for their Indian fans earlier this week, and one of its titles attracted negative attention almost instantaneously. Director Neeraj Panday’s cop thriller Ghooskhor Pandat, starring Manoj Bajpayee, immediately attracted legal complications as many claimed that the title vilified the Brahmin community. A lot of legal chaos has already ensued, and after Neeraj Pandey, the lead actor, Manoj Bajpayee, has broken silence on the whole matter. Why the row over the title The use of the word Pandat, which is associated with the Brahmin community or a priest, religious scholar, with ghooskhor (someone who takes bribes) has raised the heckles. As per the legal notice, the title impacts the dignity of the Brahmin community and hurts sentiments. The notice demands the immediate withdrawal of the title Ghooskhor Pandat, calling it defamatory, unconstitutional and socially incendiary. Manoj Bajpayee on Ghooskhor Pandat row Bajpayee took to his Instagram account and addressed the delicate situation. He wrote, “I respect the emotions and concerns …

Manoj Bajpayee breaks silence after FIR on Neeraj Pandey, Ghooskhor Pandat team: ‘Not a statement on community’

Manoj Bajpayee breaks silence after FIR on Neeraj Pandey, Ghooskhor Pandat team: ‘Not a statement on community’

After Netflix India announced its slate of web series and films for 2026, one project caught the attention for all the wrong reasons. An FIR was filed against the makers of the film Ghooskhor Pandat for allegedly hurting sentiments with its title and content. After director Neeraj Pandey, lead actor Manoj Bajpayee broke the silence on the issue. Manoj Bajpayee in a still from Netflix’s Ghooskhor Pandat which resulted in FIRs and backlash. Manoj Bajpayee breaks silence on backlash to Ghooskhor Pandat Sharing Neeraj’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), Manoj wrote that his intention wasn’t to cause harm, “I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously. When something you are part of causes hurt to some people, it makes you pause and listen.” He also clarified that the intention wasn’t to hurt any community, “As an actor, I come to a film through the character and the story I am playing. For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant …

Ghooskhor Pandat makers receive notice over ‘unauthorised’ title, Netflix faces fresh FIR for hurting ‘caste sentiments’

Ghooskhor Pandat makers receive notice over ‘unauthorised’ title, Netflix faces fresh FIR for hurting ‘caste sentiments’

Even as the row over the title of Manoj Bajpayee‘s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat’s title has erupted, the film’s makers have now received a notice from a film body alleging that they cannot use the title as it is not registered. Film Makers Combine (FMC), a Mumbai-based organisation, has written to the film’s production house, also asking Netflix for restraint in the use of the title. Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. Film body claims Ghooskhor Pandat title unaothorised The FMC has issued a notice to Friday Story Tellers, Neeraj Pandey‘s production house, which states, “You are a bona fide member of IMPPA. As per our official record, you have not even applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’. As per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine, you cannot use the title which is unauthorized and not even applied and granted.” The notice sought immediate response and cautioned the makers of disciplinary action. The FMC has also issued a separate notice to Netflix, where the film is set to be released. …

Netflix takes down Ghooskhor Pandat teaser after row, director Neeraj Pandey acknowledges ‘causing hurt’

Netflix takes down Ghooskhor Pandat teaser after row, director Neeraj Pandey acknowledges ‘causing hurt’

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has issued his first statement after his upcoming production, Ghooskhor Pandat, sparked backlash over its title, with many calling it defamatory to the Brahmin community. The filmmaker has defended the title, but apologised for the ‘hurt’ caused, adding that all promotional material has been taken down. Neeraj Pandey’s Ghooskhor Pandat stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. Neeraj Pandey addresses Ghooskhor Pandat row In a statement on social media, Pandey addressed the backlash the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer has received since its first look teaser was launched on Tuesday. “Our film 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. This film, like my earlier work, has been created with sincere intent and solely to entertain audiences.” Pandey, who has …

Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree 1st Indian series to become Netflix’s most watched non-English show; beats Jujutsu Kaisen

Emraan Hashmi’s Taskaree 1st Indian series to become Netflix’s most watched non-English show; beats Jujutsu Kaisen

Emraan Hashmi-starrer Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web has breached a castle that even the most successful Indian shows from Netflix – such as Sacred Games and Heeramandi – had failed to. It has become the number 1 non-English show on the platform globally, the first Indian series to do so. Taskaree stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role. Taskaree is the #1 non-English show on Netflix The list of the top shows and films on Netflix on Tudum, the streamer’s data arm, shows Taskaree, created by Neeraj Pandey, is at number 1 in the list of non-English shows this week (Jan 12-18). According to Tudum, Taskaree has registered 5.4 million views in the period, comfortably beating Korean rom-com Can This Love Be Translated?, which is in second place with 4 million views. It is important to note that Can This Love Be Translated ” was only released on January 16, which means it amassed 4 million views in just 3 days, as opposed to all 7 days for Taskaree. Regardless, the Emraan Hashmi-starrer has also beaten …

Netizens laud Neeraj Pandey for…, call Emraan Hashmi-starrer…

Netizens laud Neeraj Pandey for…, call Emraan Hashmi-starrer…

Taskaree The Smuggler’s Web X Review: Netizens laud Neeraj Pandey for…, call Emraan Hashmi-starrer… Home News and Gossip Taskaree The Smuggler’s Web X Review: Netizens laud Neeraj Pandey for…, call Emraan Hashmi-starrer… Neeraj Pandey’s Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web is now available on Netflix. The series features Emraan Hashmi as protagonist, and going by the reactions available on social media, it is indeed impressive. The much-anticipated Netflix series, Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, in now available on Netflix. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the show features Emran Hashmi, Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha in key roles. As expected, the show has left an indelible impact on the viewers, and the appreciation pouring in on X clearly speaks for its powerful storytelling and impeccable performances. A netizen took to X to post, “#Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web – ⭐⭐⭐/5 It was enjoyable overall, but the villain felt weak and #SharadKelkar was underused. The start is slow but it …

Emraan Hashmi says he has been stopped at immigration checks as he ‘fits the bill of somebody’: ‘I have been whisked away to the side’ | Bollywood News

Emraan Hashmi says he has been stopped at immigration checks as he ‘fits the bill of somebody’: ‘I have been whisked away to the side’ | Bollywood News

Neeraj Pandey’s fascination with men in uniform, often moustachioed, continues unabated. The filmmaker returns with yet another narrative, this time diving into the high-stakes world of customs officers in his upcoming web series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web. Headlined by Emraan Hashmi and Sharad Kelkar, the Netflix show promises a rather pulpy look at smuggling and surveillance. The trailer of Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, which is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on January 14, was launched in Mumbai. During the event, Emraan who plays a customs officer in the series, was asked if he had ever been stopped or questioned by customs officials at an airport. The actor nodded and shared a personal anecdote. When asked whether he had ever been stopped at the green channel, Emraan said, “No, I think they have been very sweet to me. Whenever I have travelled back, they have been very sweet. But there is this sense of overpowering fear, it’s not logical. It’s like when you learn how to drive, but when you see an RTO officer on the …

Special Ops 2 Teaser: Kay Kay Menon Takes On New Mission In Spy Thriller | Watch

Special Ops 2 Teaser: Kay Kay Menon Takes On New Mission In Spy Thriller | Watch

Last Updated:May 15, 2025, 21:37 IST JioHotstar announces Special Ops season 2, promising deeper intelligence world exploration. The teaser is out now. JioHotstar has announced the return of Special Ops, a show that helped shape the Indian espionage thriller genre. Known for its strong storytelling and engaging characters, the new season will explore deeper layers of the intelligence world. With tensions rising, Special Ops season 2 aims to raise the bar for spy dramas in India. Alok Jain, Head of Cluster, Entertainment (Colors, Digital Hindi, Niche, Movies and Studio), JioStar, said, “At JioHotstar, we are committed to bringing bold, high-impact storytelling to our audiences, and Special Ops has been a defining example of that vision. The return of Himmat Singh in Special Ops season 2 marks not just the continuation of a beloved franchise, but a significant milestone in the evolution of premium Indian content. We are excited to deliver a season that’s bigger, smarter, and even more gripping.” Creator Neeraj Pandey said, “With Special Ops, we aimed to create a lasting legacy in action, …

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter: Ritwik Bhowmik talks about his ‘radically different’ role; says he ‘dived into dark side of human’

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter: Ritwik Bhowmik talks about his ‘radically different’ role; says he ‘dived into dark side of human’

The much-anticipated series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter has finally premiered on Netflix, featuring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jeet, and Ritwik Bhowmik in key roles. Set in early 2000s West Bengal, the Neeraj Pandey-created series delves into crime and power struggles. Ritwik, who portrays Sagor Talukdar, shared insights on his intense transformation for the role. He called it a stark departure from his previous characters and an exploration of the darker side of human nature. During a conversation with Zoom, Ritwik expressed that this role stands in stark contrast to anything he has portrayed before. He said, “This part is radically different from anything that I’ve played.” The actor also pointed out that his co-star, Aadil Zafar Khan, finds himself in a similar situation, as both have previously been associated with characters known for their upright and well-behaved nature. Ritwik Bhowmik also reflected on the experience and said, “We’ve dived into this dark side of not just Kolkata but also just being human. And it was quite a psychological, emotional and physical task to take this dive. But …