'Gajab Raat' OTT release: After controversial title change, Manoj Bajpayee crime thriller gears up for Netflix premiere
Manoj Bajpayee's crime thriller 'Gajab Raat' is gearing up for a direct-to-streaming Netflix release following a major title controversy and legal dispute that led the makers to rename the film
After a brief controversy around its previous title, Manoj Bajpayee's crime thriller "Gajab Raat" is gearing up for its straight-to-streaming release this weekend. Previously titled "Ghooskhor Pandat", the film is slated for its exclusive Netflix premiere on October 23, 2026. Directed by Ritesh
After a brief controversy around its previous title, Manoj Bajpayee's crime thriller "Gajab Raat" is gearing up for its straight-to-streaming release this weekend. Previously titled "Ghooskhor Pandat", the film is slated for its exclusive Netflix premiere on October 23, 2026. Directed by Ritesh
After a brief controversy around its previous title, Manoj Bajpayee's crime thriller "Gajab Raat" is gearing up for its straight-to-streaming release this weekend. Previously titled "Ghooskhor Pandat", the film is slated for its exclusive Netflix premiere on October 23, 2026. Directed by Ritesh
After a brief controversy around its previous title, Manoj Bajpayee's crime thriller "Gajab Raat" is gearing up for its straight-to-streaming release this weekend. Previously titled "Ghooskhor Pandat", the film is slated for its exclusive Netflix premiere on October 23, 2026.
Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced/created by Neeraj Pandey under Friday Filmworks, "Gajab Raat" centres on Ajay Dixit (Manoj Bajpayee), a corrupt cop whose life takes a sharp, dangerous turn when a young girl is thrown out of a speeding vehicle. Deep into the investigation, he is forcefully thrust into an intricate web of conflicting statements, international conspiracies, and tempting bribes.
Aside from Bajpayee, "Gajab Raat" also features Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Divya Dutta, Akshay Oberoi, Kiku Sharda, and Shraddha Das, among others.
Neeraj Pandey has previously collaborated with Bajpayee in the capacity of a director in "Special 26" and "Aiyaary". As a producer, he has collaborated with the actor in "Naam Shabana".
The original title sparked heavy controversy and legal backlash, with critics and groups alleging that it derisively targeted a specific community identity by linking it directly to corruption. The title controversy officially unfolded in February 2026. Following the backlash, a formal FIR was lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police against the filmmakers at Lucknow's Hazratganj station for allegedly hurting religious and caste sentiments.
The Supreme Court of India also called out the filmmakers, observing that freedom of speech cannot be used as a licence to denigrate a section of society. Later, Neeraj Pandey submitted an official affidavit to the Supreme Court, unequivocally withdrawing the controversial title.
To resolve the dispute amicably, the makers opted to rename it "Gajab Raat" and presented it alongside the official trailer. Until then, the movie remained under wraps for months.
At the time, Manoj Bajpayee defended the creative team's intent behind the film, condemned the intense online toxicity targeting his family, and emphasised that the team altered the title out of respect for public sentiments.
The actor also clarified that the film is about a flawed individual's journey and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. While he personally didn’t see an issue with the title initially, he backed the decision to change it.