Manoj Bajpayee is officially back in the thriller genre that he has come to define for the digital era. His latest project, Gajab Raat, is one of the most anticipated Indian original films of 2026. Produced by the veteran filmmaker Neeraj Pandey under his Friday Filmworks banner, the movie promises a gritty, realistic look at the underbelly of Delhi’s law enforcement.
What makes this film particularly intriguing is its tight narrative structure. The entire story unfolds over the course of a single, high stakes night. If you are looking for the exact release time, the full cast list, or the backstory behind the film’s sudden name change, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Gajab Raat Release Date and Streaming Platform
Netflix has officially confirmed that Gajab Raat will release on October 23, 2026. Following the standard release pattern for Netflix India originals, the movie is expected to be available for streaming starting at 1:30 PM IST.
International viewers can also tune in on the same day. For those in the United States, the film will likely drop at 12:00 AM PT or 3:00 AM ET on October 23, 2026. The film is part of Netflix’s aggressive 2026 slate, aiming to capture the massive audience that follows Manoj Bajpayee after the success of his previous streaming hits.
The Plot: A Single Night of Chaos in Delhi
The story of Gajab Raat centers on a corrupt Delhi police officer, played by Manoj Bajpayee. His character is seasoned, cynical, and largely focused on personal gain. However, his life takes a sharp turn when he witnesses a severely injured girl being thrown out of a moving car on a dark Delhi road.
What initially looks like a local hit and run case quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. As the officer begins to investigate the incident, he discovers that the girl is a key piece in a massive international conspiracy. Over the next few hours, he must navigate a web of lies, evade powerful enemies, and decide whether to protect his own interests or finally do what is right. The “single night” format ensures that the tension remains at a boiling point from the opening scene to the final credits.
Full Cast and Character Guide
One of the biggest strengths of Gajab Raat is its ensemble cast. The film brings together seasoned veterans and younger stars to create a diverse range of suspects and stakeholders.
| Actor | Role / Character Context |
|---|---|
| Manoj Bajpayee | Corrupt Delhi Police Officer (Lead) |
| Nushrratt Bharuccha | Female Lead / Key Investigator |
| Saqib Saleem | Potential Suspect / Antagonist |
| Akshay Oberoi | Stakeholder in the conspiracy |
| Divya Dutta | High level political or police official |
| Kiku Sharda | Supporting role adding light relief or grit |
| Shraddha Das | Supporting cast member |
This marks a significant reunion for Bajpayee and Nushrratt Bharuccha, who are expected to share a complex dynamic as the mystery unfolds. Additionally, seeing Kiku Sharda in a thriller setting is an interesting choice that suggests the film will balance its dark themes with layered character work.
The Controversy: From Ghooskhor Pandat to Gajab Raat
If you were looking for a movie titled Ghooskhor Pandat, you are in the right place. The film was originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat (which roughly translates to Bribe Taking Brahmin). This title sparked immediate backlash from various Brahmin communities and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Legal petitions were filed in the Delhi High Court, and an FIR was registered in Uttar Pradesh. Protesters argued that the title promoted derogatory stereotypes by linking a specific caste name with corruption. Manoj Bajpayee and the producers clarified that the name was simply a departmental nickname for the character, but they ultimately decided to change the title to respect public sentiment. On October 15, 2026, the makers officially rebranded the film as Gajab Raat and released a new trailer.
Also Read : Namita Krishnamurthy: The Full Biography of the IIT-Grad Star
Director Ritesh Shah and the Neeraj Pandey Connection
While Neeraj Pandey is the producer, the directorial chair for Gajab Raat is held by Ritesh Shah. This film marks Shah’s directorial debut. He is widely known in the industry as a top tier screenwriter, having penned the scripts for acclaimed films like Pink.
This project also serves as a reunion for Manoj Bajpayee and Neeraj Pandey. The duo famously collaborated on the 2018 spy thriller Aiyaary. While that film had a mixed reception at the box office, their partnership on Gajab Raat is expected to lean into the grounded, suspenseful storytelling that both men are famous for. Shah has noted that the single night setting was chosen specifically to create a sense of urgency that is often missing from longer timelines.
How to Watch Gajab Raat Online
To watch Gajab Raat online, you will need an active Netflix subscription. Since this is a Netflix Original, it will not be available on other platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Disney Plus Hotstar.
- Subscription: Ensure your Netflix account is active. The film will be available in Mobile, Basic, Standard, and Premium tiers.
- Search: Use the search bar on the Netflix app or website and type “Gajab Raat.”
- Download: For those on the go, Netflix will allow users to download the movie for offline viewing on mobile devices.
- Quality: The film is expected to be available in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos for Premium subscribers, providing an immersive experience for the night scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the release date of Gajab Raat on Netflix?
Gajab Raat is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on October 23, 2026.
Q.Why was the title changed from Ghooskhor Pandat?
The title was changed following objections from the Brahmin community and legal petitions in the Delhi High Court. The producers chose the new title, Gajab Raat, to avoid hurting religious or caste sentiments.
Q.Who is the director of Gajab Raat?
The film is directed by Ritesh Shah, making his directorial debut after a successful career as a screenwriter.
Q.Is Gajab Raat based on a true story?
While the film reflects realistic issues of corruption and crime in Delhi, it is a fictional thriller written by Ritesh Shah and backed by Neeraj Pandey.
Q.Who stars in the Gajab Raat cast?
The film stars Manoj Bajpayee, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Saqib Saleem, Akshay Oberoi, Divya Dutta, Kiku Sharda, and Shraddha Das.
