iWorld
Manoj Bajpayee’s Ghooskhor Pandat faces FIR after caste backlash, makers remove promos
Mumbai: A teaser meant to build buzz has instead landed Netflix’s upcoming film Ghooskhor Pandat in legal and political trouble. Uttar Pradesh authorities have ordered an FIR against the film’s director and creative team after protests alleging caste insults and a threat to social harmony.
The case was registered at Hazratganj police station after clips from the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer went viral and were flagged for allegedly containing objectionable caste-based and religious remarks. Police said the FIR was filed by Hazratganj SHO Vikram Singh on the direction of chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
The filmmakers have been booked under sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race or caste), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352 (apprehension of breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 66 of the IT Act. Officials said the move aligns with the state’s “zero-tolerance” stance on threats to communal harmony.
The controversy centres on the film’s title and scenes that critics say portray “Pandit” as a bribe-taker. Members of the Brahmin community have staged protests across several places, demanding a ban.
Political voices have amplified the outrage. BSP chief Mayawati called the title disrespectful and urged the Centre to halt the film’s release. In a post on X, she said the depiction was unacceptable and had angered the community. Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari labelled the title “highly objectionable” and sought legal action.
The National Human Rights Commission has also stepped in, issuing a notice to the information and broadcasting ministry on a complaint that the film promotes negative stereotypes and could fuel caste-based hostility.
Facing mounting pressure, the filmmakers moved quickly to contain the fallout. Neeraj Pandey said Ghooskhor Pandat is a fictional cop drama and that “Pandat” is merely a casual character name, not a caste reference. The team has temporarily withdrawn all promotional material.
“We understand that the title has caused hurt to some viewers, and we acknowledge those feelings,” Pandey wrote on Instagram, adding that the story focuses on an individual’s actions, not any community.
Bajpayee also responded, saying he “respects the emotions and concerns people have shared” and views them seriously. He described his role as that of “a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation” and said it was never meant as commentary on any community. He added that working with Pandey has always reflected seriousness and responsibility, and that pulling down promotions showed the concerns were being taken seriously.
Part of Netflix India’s 2026 slate, the film marks another collaboration between the platform and Pandey after Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. It is directed by Ritesh Shah and Neeraj Pandey and features Nushrratt Bharuccha, Shraddha Das and Kiku Sharda in key roles.
For now, the film’s biggest drama is off-screen — where law, politics and sentiment are colliding faster than any scripted plot.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
