The storm over Netflix’s ‘Ghuskhor Pandit’ has cleared, with the streaming giant pledging a title overhaul in Delhi High Court. Starring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee and helmed by Neeraj Pandey, the film drew fire for its allegedly insulting name.
Advocate Vineet Jindal’s petition spotlighted how ‘ghuskhor pandit’ stereotyped and humiliated Brahmins, urging a ban on release. The case amplified calls for accountability in OTT content amid rising cultural sensitivities.
Netflix responded decisively in court, vowing to excise the contentious term and rename the project entirely. Promotional assets have been swiftly removed from digital platforms, signaling compliance.
Satisfied with the assurances, the court disposed of the plea but left the door open for re-filing if content offends. It also recommended pre-release verification by authorities, given the lack of mandatory CBFC nods for streaming.
Jindal celebrated it as a landmark triumph, cautioning that narrative flaws would invite scrutiny. ‘No more targeting communities under the guise of art,’ he asserted.
This episode reflects broader tensions between artistic expression and societal norms in India’s booming OTT sector. As Netflix retools its marketing, the industry braces for stricter self-regulation to avert similar clashes.