Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 31: Actor Manoj Bajpayee has revealed that he received threats and faced online abuse, including attacks targeting his family, following the controversy surrounding the title of his upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat.

Speaking about the issue, Bajpayee said the backlash took the film's team by surprise. The controversy erupted after Netflix unveiled its 2026 slate, with Ghooskhor Pandat attracting criticism over allegations that its title and content hurt religious sentiments.

An FIR was subsequently filed against the makers of the film. Following objections from various groups, the team issued an apology and later informed the Delhi High Court that the movie would be released under a different title.

Reflecting on the controversy, Bajpayee said the filmmakers responded 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 intensity, we as creative people are always there to mend our ways or correct ourselves," he said.

The actor added that changing the title was not a major issue for the creative team.

"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," he said.

Bajpayee also disclosed that he received threats during the controversy but continued with his professional commitments without fear.

He said the online trolling extended beyond criticism of the film and involved personal attacks on him and his family.

"When people are trolling you, abusing you and getting your family into the whole thing, I feel empathy for them," he said.

According to the actor, many reactions were based on assumptions rather than the actual subject matter of the film.

"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," Bajpayee said.

He added that he prefers not to engage in arguments with individuals who form opinions without fully understanding the issue.

The first-look teaser of the film, released during Netflix's 2026 content showcase, was later taken down amid the controversy.

The film also stars Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi and Divya Dutta.

Written by Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah, the project marks Shah's directorial debut. The makers are expected to announce the film's new title in the coming months.