Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming crime thriller, originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat, has officially been renamed Gajab Raat following widespread controversy and legal challenges earlier this year. The makers have released the film’s trailer and confirmed its digital premiere on Netflix on October 23, 2026.
The film reunites Manoj Bajpayee with filmmaker Neeraj Pandey and promises a suspense-filled story unfolding over a single night. The title change follows criticism over the original name, which was accused of negatively stereotyping the Brahmin and Pandit communities.
Gajab Raat Trailer Reveals a Tense Crime Thriller
The trailer introduces a police officer caught between personal interests and the responsibility to do what is right. As events unfold over the course of one night, a single decision triggers a series of consequences that test loyalties and reveal the characters’ motivations.
The film focuses on moral conflicts, suspense and the difficult choices faced by its central characters. Its single-night setting adds urgency to the narrative, with every decision potentially changing the course of events.
Speaking about the project, Manoj Bajpayee said he was particularly interested in how the characters’ motivations gradually become clear as the night progresses. He also described reuniting with Neeraj Pandey as a positive experience and praised Ritesh Shah’s transition from screenwriter to director.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Gajab Raat features a notable ensemble cast, including:
- Manoj Bajpayee
- Saqib Saleem
- Akshay Oberoi
- Divya Dutta
- Kiku Sharda
- Nushrratt Bharuccha
The film is directed by Ritesh Shah, with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee reuniting on the project. The story centres on a fictional police officer whose decisions place him at the crossroads of corruption, personal gain and moral responsibility.
Why Was Ghooskhor Pandat Renamed?
The project originally attracted controversy in February 2026, when its teaser was released under the title Ghooskhor Pandat. Critics argued that the combination of a term associated with corruption and the traditional title “Pandat” could be interpreted as offensive to the Brahmin and Pandit communities.
The controversy led to protests and legal challenges. According to reports, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that an FIR be registered against the film’s makers and Netflix. Petitions were also filed in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court seeking action against the project, while the National Human Rights Commission
