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Netflix Film Title Changed After Court Plea; Manoj Bajpayee Starrer Renamed

The Delhi High Court was informed by Netflix that the producer of a film starring Manoj Bajpayee has decided to change its title following objections. The plea had sought a stay on the film's release, arguing the earlier title was defamatory and communally offensive to the Brahmin community. The petitioner, an Acharya, contended the term 'Pandat' was wrongly associated with corruption, harming the community's dignity. With Netflix's submission and the petitioner's grievance being addressed, the court disposed of the petition.

Key Points: Netflix Changes Film Title After Delhi HC Plea on Offensive Name

  • Title changed after court plea
  • Objection was to term 'Pandat'
  • Petitioner claimed it defamed Brahmin community
  • Court disposes of matter as resolved
2 min read

Netflix tells Delhi HC producer has decided to change title of Manoj Bajpayee film amid objections

Delhi High Court disposes of plea as Netflix informs producer has changed the title of the Manoj Bajpayee film following objections of being defamatory.

"has taken a conscious decision to change the name of the film in light of the concerns raised - Netflix to Delhi HC"

New Delhi, February 10

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday informed by Netflix that the producer of Manoj Bajpayee's starrer, earlier titled "Ghooskhor Pandat," has taken a conscious decision to change the name of the film in light of the concerns raised, and will adopt an alternate title that better reflects the film's narrative and intent.

The submission was made during the hearing of a plea seeking a stay on the film's release and streaming.

Taking note of the statement and the stand of the parties, the Court disposed of the petition after counsel for the petitioner, Mahender Chaturvedi, submitted that his grievance was confined to the title of the film, which now stood resolved following the decision to change it.

The writ petition had been filed seeking to restrain the release of the Netflix film on the ground that its earlier title was defamatory and communally offensive. Filed through Advocate Vineet Jindal, the plea sought directions to the authorities to intervene and stay the streaming of the film along with other consequential reliefs.

Chaturvedi, who describes himself as an Acharya devoted to the study and teaching of Indian scriptures and spiritual traditions, had claimed to be directly aggrieved by the use of the word "Pandat" in the title. He alleged that associating the term with corruption and bribery harmed the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community as well as his own vocation.

According to the petition, promotional material circulated by Netflix India allegedly linked the term with immoral and corrupt conduct. The plea contended that the word historically signifies scholarship, ethical conduct, spiritual guidance and moral authority, and that such portrayal amounted to stereotyping and vilification of an entire religious and social community.

The petitioner had further argued that the impugned title and content violated fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution, while stating that freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) and does not extend to defamation or content that may disturb communal harmony.

The plea had also raised concerns over the lack of an effective regulatory mechanism to prevent misuse of creative freedom on OTT platforms and sought directions to the Union Government to take appropriate action. However, in view of Netflix's submission regarding the change of title and the petitioner stating that his objection stood addressed, the High Court closed the matter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the sensitivity, this sets a worrying precedent. Where do we draw the line? Tomorrow, any word associated with any profession or community could be deemed offensive. Creative expression needs some breathing room. Just my two paise.
S
Suresh O
As someone from a priestly family, I appreciate this. The word 'Pandat' carries deep respect and signifies knowledge and guidance. Using it in a negative context for a movie title was in poor taste. Glad they listened and changed it. 🙏
A
Aman W
The real issue the article hints at is the lack of a proper OTT regulatory framework. We need clear guidelines, not court cases for every film. The government should work on that instead of leaving it to public interest litigations.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how legal and cultural sensitivities intersect in India's entertainment industry. A pragmatic resolution by the court and the parties. Hope the new title does justice to the film's narrative.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, was the title change really needed? It feels like we are getting too easily offended these days. The movie is probably a satire on corruption, not an attack on a community. Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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